The conversation about whether JIB rates keep pace with inflation intensified sharply after 2021 when electricians experienced a volatile three-year period combining a COVID-19 wage freeze, the steepest inflation spike in 30 years (peaking above 9% in 2022-2023), followed by headline pay rises of 7% (January 2024) and 5% (January 2025) marketed as corrective adjustments. Electricians working through this period report conflicting financial experiences: nominal pay increased year-on-year, yet weekly food shops cost £15-20 more, energy bills doubled, mortgage interest rates jumped from 2% to 6%+, and fuel prices surged from £1.20 to £1.85 per litre.