Considering that starting salaries in 1999/2000 were around the 19000/20,000 pound mark, a starting salary of 22500 in 2010 isn't that impressive; also consider that prior to 1999 we didn't have to pay tuition fees. Considering real inflation (not the skewed artificial figures the government releases) it is actually a decrease in pay.
Also do some research into senior engineering salaries, in 1999 these were around 35000 a year. Alot of senior engineering post for permanent staff in 2010 still seem only to attract about 37000 a year; so again in real terms a decrease.