Revealed: UK areas with the biggest wage increases 

The study, by CMC Markets, revealed that Melton in north-east Leicestershire has come in first.

Using the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, the financial services provider analysed hourly wage data for every local authority in the United Kingdom, without overtime. 

Read more: David Fairs to step down from TPR

The market town, known for its pork pies and stilton cheese, saw the most significant increase in wages. Melton’s hourly pay on average was £13.33 in 2021, which has now increased to £17.99 in 2022, a percentage increase of 34.96%. 

The Essex area of Maldon came in second place. The area had an average hourly wage of £14.67 in 2021, which has increased by 31.77% and now sits at £19.33 in 2022. 

The Cotswolds, located in Gloucestershire, takes third place. The area currently has an average hourly pay of £17.81, which has increased by 24.89% from 2021’s value of £14.26. 

Coming in fourth place is the London borough of Sutton. In 2021, the area had an average hourly pay of £16.82, which in 2022 now sits at £20.73, a percentage increase of 23.25%.  

Read more: Amazon to cut 18,000 jobs

East Dunbartonshire, one of three Scottish areas in the top ten. The area had an average hourly pay of £14.99 in 2021, which has increased by 19.35% in 2022 to £17.89. 

CMC Markets’ chief market analyst Michael Hewson said: “What’s fascinating to see is the huge wage growth in so many areas, and how it isn’t just tied to one area with locations across Britain making their way into the top ten.

"This wage growth is also seen outside of financial hubs and major cities, which may make people question whether the inner city pressure is worth it.”