UK dividends will not recover until 2025 - Link Group

Payouts fell by 44% in 2020

David Brenchley
clock • 4 min read

UK company dividends are unlikely to return to pre-Covid levels until 2025, Link Group has predicted after payouts almost halved in 2020.

Dividends from UK plc fell by 44% to £61.9bn for 2020, the lowest annual total since 2011, and the first time since 2015 that distributions have not grown year-on-year. Two-thirds (67%) of all UK listed firms either cancelled or cut their dividends in the last nine months of the year. On an underlying basis, excluding special payments, dividends slipped by 38.1% to £61.1bn. Just over a quarter of companies increased their dividends, while just under a tenth maintained theirs. UK inflation edges higher in December on rising transport costs In Link's worst-case scenario, dividends...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Bank of England holds interest rates at 4% as Budget looms large

Bank of England holds interest rates at 4% as Budget looms large

Five MPC members voted to hold rates

Michael Nelson
clock 06 November 2025 • 3 min read
Partner Insight: Tariffs are here to stay. What's next for investors?

Partner Insight: Tariffs are here to stay. What's next for investors?

The current outlook for US tariffs is complex and their full impact on growth remains to be seen. Columbia Threadneedle Investments explores what advisers need to know, key events to keep top of mind and how to navigate the uncertainty.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments
clock 23 October 2025 • 5 min read
IFS: Reeves must plug £22bn fiscal hole to restore 'tiny' headroom

IFS: Reeves must plug £22bn fiscal hole to restore 'tiny' headroom

Think tank urges chancellor to avoid 'limping from one forecast to the next'

Linus Uhlig
clock 16 October 2025 • 2 min read