To: the Prime Minister
It's time for a maximum wage
Tesco’s CEO is paid 431 times more than their median employee. It’s unfair, unpopular, and harmful to society – it’s time for a maximum wage.
We call on the UK government to introduce a maximum wage ratio that limits the highest-paid employee in a company to earning no more than 10 times the salary of the lowest-paid worker.
Why is this important?
The pay gap between CEOs and their employees has spiralled out of control. In 2023/24, 18% of FTSE 350 companies reported a CEO-to-median employee pay ratio of over 100:1, while 5% reported ratios over 200:1. Incredibly, some CEOs earned more than 600 times their workers.
But polling by the High Pay Centre and Survation shows that 63% of people believe CEOs should not earn more than 10 times their low- and mid-level employees. This reveals a stark gap between public expectations and reality.
CEO-to-worker pay ratios are published, but this has not reduced the gaps. High Pay Centre analysis shows pay ratios have remained largely unchanged over five years.
Research shows that the UK has some of the worst levels of income inequality in Europe, and that vast pay gaps damage morale, reduce trust, and lower workplace satisfaction. At a time when millions face rising costs and stagnant wages, this level of inequality is not just unfair — it’s socially and economically damaging.
A 10:1 ratio would incentivise higher wages at the bottom, rein in excessive rewards at the top, and help rebuild a sense of fairness.
How it will be delivered
This petition will show strong public demand for action. We will share it with government officials, MPs, business leaders, and campaign allies to help build pressure for meaningful change.
The petition aims to keep pay inequality high on the political agenda and help generate momentum for reform.
