UK employees have poor expectations about possible pay rises in 2009, according to a survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

The organisation found that 26 per cent of workers expect to receive a smaller pay rise this year than they did in 2008.

Furthermore, 28 per cent are not expecting a pay increase at all in 2009, while two per cent believe they will see a cut in their annual salary.

Just one in ten of those questioned said they are anticipating a higher pay rise this year compared to last year's increase.

Charles Cotton, reward advisor at the CIPD, said: "With job cuts seemingly lurking around every corner and trading conditions tight, employees are realistic about their pay prospects for the year ahead."

He said that since many employers will be unable to offer large pay increases, they will have to incentivise their workers using non-financial rewards such as training and development or flexible working.

CIPD chief economist John Philpott warned recently that up to 300,000 jobs could be lost in the first three months of 2009.