Alastair Darling, the UK Chancellor has come out today warning that trade unions guard against a ‘disastrous return to 1970’s style inflationary pay demands.

He is right to be concerned as the global economy is feeling the impact of inflationary pressures on oil prices, the cost of food and increasing energy costs. Although the official inflation rate in the UK is quoted at just 3.3%, it is well established that if you take just these three core items, the the rate would be well north of 8%.

So as a business owner, how can you guard against excessive pay demands?

On the one hand, you need to ensure that you pay a fare salary, otherwise you are likely to struggle to retain top talent. Having said that all the research that I have seen is that money is lower in the priorities of the employee than it is in the perception of management.

Let me explain.

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