International recruitment firm STR Group has given its workforce a pay rise worth 5%, an investment of more than £250,000, as of 1 January 2023.
The business, which employs 150 members of staff, carried out a full-scale review of salary bandings and made changes to its salary and commission schemes as a result of the continued cost-of-living crisis and rising energy costs. Eligible employees are now able to earn commission on all billings, rather than those above a specific threshold.
Earlier this year, the business made a £500 cost-of-living payment to each employee in order to help combat rising inflation.
Brett Stephens, group operations director at STR Group, said: “At a time when the cost of living is its highest ever, we felt it only right to make sure we were paying our staff fairly and reward them for their continued efforts and hard work. But we didn’t stop there. We also removed thresholds from our commission structures, meaning our staff now get paid on every penny they bill, up to a whopping 30% on 360 permanent or contract desks.”
Guerson Neto, recruitment consultant at STR Group, added: “Earlier this year, the board provided a one-off bonus to help us, which I already thought was a great thing to do during these tough times. Now, they’ve announced the pay rise, and I’m over the moon.
“The new commission scheme is also better in every way for me. It can be demoralising to have no commission because you only billed a small amount that quarter. However, now we’ll get commission on everything we bring into the business. I am certain it will take the pressure off a lot of people’s shoulders. STR truly does invest in its people, and actions like this go a long way. I am proud to be part of the business, and am very excited to see it go from strength to strength even in a recession.”