In the UK in the second quarter of 1990, wage deals were averaging at 9%, but by the third quarter of 1992 they had decreased to 3.9%. Manufacturing sector awards were running at 2.8%, the lowest since the figures began to be compiled in 1981; 23% of manufacturing firms had imposed pay freezes for more than six months. Only 1% reported pay deals of more than 7.5%, and there were none above 8.5%.