Yesterday's Prices

Started by Mups, June 01, 2026, 10:04:33 PM

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Mups

Prices shoot up over the years,  but in some ways we have perhaps got used to it.
We have to accept it anyway because we either cough up - or go without.

I have just seen this almost unbelievable list of prices we paid back in 1966.
See if you remember any of these -


1. Average wage was £20.30s a week.    (Today £749)  - It didn't say what job this was!

2. Cinema tickets - 15p  -   (£9.50)

3. A pint of Beer - 10p  -  (Today £5.50)

4. Fish & Chips - 10p  (Today - £9.50)

5. Flight to Spain  (return charter) - £31

6. Men's haircut - 15p   - (Today £20.)

7. Packet of 20 Cigarettes - 20p  (Today - £13.)

8. Loaf of Bread - 5p -  (Today £1.60)

9. Pint of Milk - 4p  - (Today £1.)


Astonishing what we have come to expect now,  isn't it.

klondike

If you compare that £20 wage with now and apply the multiplier to those prices they beat what we have to pay now for many. I'm pretty sure that £749 a week is significantly higher than minimum wage but is probably average wage

I always remember ordering fish and chips as a piece and six. Usually with batter bits.

Mups

Yes, I thought that wage seemed high too.  

I Just looked it up, and the minimum wage for 2026 for over 21's  is now  £12.71 apparently,  so that would work out  around £508 for a 40hr week.    So don't know where they get the £749 from.

Alex

My Mum kept the letter from my first job, I was a trainee Clerk/Typist with John Laing & Son and my salary was £275 per annum ! :wink:  :wink:

Mups

Quote from: Alex on Yesterday at 08:26:40 PMMy Mum kept the letter from my first job, I was a trainee Clerk/Typist with John Laing & Son and my salary was £275 per annum ! :wink:  :wink:
Wow.   :grin:

That reminds me of my first job after leaving school.   I was an apprentice hairdresser and I remember earning £2. 5 shillings and 8p per week  -   and that was after my first rise!!
Almost impossible to imagine now isn't it.