Rising train fares mean that the average worker in the UK now spends 8% of their salary on getting to work, research has shown.

The data from the Hay Group shows that commuters in London spend the largest proportion of their salary on
travel overall, with the average standing at 17% for operative level workers. Manchester and Birmingham (both 14%) were not far behind, followed by Bristol and Leeds (13%).

This data follows an average rail fare rise of 5.9% announced in December, an increase which outstrips inflation. The average annual season ticket now costs £2,028, or 8% of the median UK salary of £25,176.

Said Stuart McMillan, reward information consultant at Hay Group, "As train fares continue to rise above inflation, and salary increases remain subdued, commuting costs are set to take up more of UK employees' pay packets.

"Employers need to be aware of this when considering reward packages, and consider benefits such as interest free season ticket loans and greater flexibility to work from home.

"As fares rise, employers may need to consider integrating commuter benefits into total reward packages, to engage and enable staff to help them offset the additional squeeze on employees' disposable incomes."