Younger workers reticent to negotiate pay rise

Those aged under 35 feel significantly more uncomfortable asking for a pay rise than their older colleagues, according to a new report.

The Ceridian survey found that overall, one in six workers would be unwilling to renegotiate their salaries with their employers, Online Recruitment reports.

However, when this is broken down according to age, only 19% of under 35s would feel confident asking for a pay increase, compared to 81% of people over this age.

The findings were different when it came to discussing salaries, with 19- to 24-year-olds the most likely group to take an interest in their colleagues' pay packets.

Karan Paige, Chief People Officer at Ceridian, noted: 'There tends to be a strong correlation between successful companies and a reward strategy that has the correct balance between fixed and variable pay, with the variable element being strongly aligned to performance.'

Those looking for a higher salary may want to consider a career as a City broker, as recent National Office of Statistics data showed this to be the second most lucrative profession in the UK. To earn top bucks graduates will have to aim high - the best paid workers are company directors and chief executives.