By midday today, the typical CEO of a FTSE 100 company has already earned more than what an average worker can expect to make in a year. The High Pay Centre’s analysis revealed that these chief executives took home around £4.4 million in total compensation last year, up from £4.22 million in 2024.
It is estimated that CEOs only need to work less than three days in 2026 to surpass the annual income of an average UK worker. The median pay for a FTSE 100 CEO is £4.4 million, which is 113 times higher than the average full-time worker’s salary of £39,039.
This analysis, released annually around this time, follows the recent enactment of the Employment Rights Act, which includes provisions to enhance trade union access in workplaces and inform new employees about their union rights.
The High Pay Centre attributes the widening pay gap between executives and workers to the decline in trade union membership since the 1980s. They advocate for more worker representation on company boards to address inequality issues and suggest taxing companies with excessive executive pay to fund education and reduce disparities.
Andrew Speke, interim director of the High Pay Centre, emphasized the need for corporate governance reforms and worker involvement in decision-making processes to tackle income inequality. TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak supported the Employment Rights Act as a step towards fairer working conditions and called for measures to curb excessive corporate greed.
The GMB union spokesperson highlighted the ongoing struggle of workers amidst rising living costs and advocated for the Workers’ Rights Act to secure fair wages. Efforts are being made to ensure workers receive their rightful compensation and combat corporate excess.
Top Earning FTSE CEOs:
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