The great North/South salary debate

In fact a third of all earners in the top 10% work in London which accounts for the high stated average. Salaries tend to follow market forces – where there is a demand for skills but supply is low, the salaries increase as a result. Equally the converse is true. According to Turner and Townsend director Peter McGettrick, London continues to demand highly qualified health and safety consultants to work on the numerous property and infrastructure projects in the Capital, but this is not restricted to just London. Dublin is currently a very active market with a low supply of health and safety professionals which drives up salaries.

Mr McGettrick said: "As someone who is from the north but resides in the south, the north – south salary divide is a paradox which has always interested me. To a certain extent, the average salary decreases the further you get from London, with a recent study showing a divide of around £11k between north and south. Glasgow and Edinburgh stand are better remunerated areas; outside London, but equivalent to cities such as Manchester, Bristol and Southampton."

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