New accounts published by National Highways have revealed a significant pay rise for its chief executive, prompting criticism as workers face lower increases and concerns grow over road maintenance and sick leave.
Nick Harris, the head of the government-backed roads quango, received a total remuneration package of £426,304 in 2024–25. This includes performance-related bonuses and marks an 8% rise compared to the previous year.
For comparison, Prime Minister Keir Starmer receives a salary of £172,153 — less than half of Harris’s earnings. The news has triggered scrutiny, especially from those questioning whether public infrastructure bosses should command such high pay amid ongoing issues on Britain’s roads.
Disparity in earnings fuels frustration in workers
While Mr Harris benefited from a substantial increase, median pay for National Highways workers rose just 5%, from £37,697 to £39,477. This modest improvement falls below the rate of increase enjoyed by senior leadership, fuelling further frustration among staff who are dealing with the realities of potholes, delayed roadworks, and increased workloads.
The contrast between executive compensation and UK workforce pay is likely to stir continued debate about fairness and proportionality in the public sector, particularly for government agencies funded by taxpayer money.
More than 300 years of working time lost to sick leave
In addition to financial details, the annual report revealed worrying figures on employee wellbeing. Across its 6,800-strong workforce, National Highways recorded an average of 11.7 days of sick leave per worker, resulting in a staggering 79,500 days lost in the last year alone.
When broken down, this equates to over 300 years’ worth of working hours lost in just one 12-month period. The scale of absence raises important questions about stress, fatigue, and conditions facing staff — especially those workers operating in transport and road maintenance and frontline support roles.
Public reaction and growing calls for accountability
News of the chief executive’s earnings comes as public dissatisfaction with potholes and deteriorating road conditions continues to climb. Motorists across the UK regularly voice concern over unrepaired surfaces and safety issues, while local councils report mounting pressures on repair budgets.
With roads often seen as a frontline public service, critics argue that performance-based pay for executives should be matched by clear, measurable outcomes — particularly in areas where public confidence is low.
There is growing interest in how government agencies measure success, especially when infrastructure concerns such as potholes remain so visible to the everyday commuter.
A voice for workers
At The Workers Union, we support all efforts to ensure fairness, transparency, and wellbeing in public workplaces. While we recognise the complexities of leading national agencies, it’s vital that leadership remains attuned to the lived experiences of workers delivering essential services.
As road users and taxpayers look for tangible improvements in return for public funding, the figures from National Highways are certain to prompt reflection about where the balance lies between reward and responsibility.
