Firms predict 2.5% pay rise in 2014  Firms expect to give their
workers a pay rise of 2.5% next year, although some are
predicting a wage freeze, according to a study.  Private sector
employers are predicting another year of subdued pay rises, a
study found  A survey of 240 private sector organisations by
analysts XpertHR showed that almost two-thirds believed their
2014 pay awards would be the same as this year, suggesting a
"subdued" picture.  Just over 6% of those questioned said they
expected pay to be frozen.  XpertHR spokeswoman Sheila Attwood
said: "Private sector employers are predicting another year of
subdued pay rises, with increases forecast to be worth around
2.5%.  "There are some positive signs, with fewer employers
predicting a pay freeze, but awards expected to be worth more
than 3% remain rare.  "Employers are likely to be keeping a
close eye on the rate of growth in the wider economy and in turn
in their own business, and how this impacts the demand for
labour, before making any big decisio