Monthly gross wages in Latvia up 2.9% in Q2
01.09.2010, 13:23Average monthly gross wages in Latvia in 2nd quarter of 2010 comprised 444 lats, and it is 13 lats or 2.9% more if compared to the 1st quarter, according to the data of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB).
In public sector during this period wages and salaries grew by 6.4% (from 446 to 474 lats), while in the private sector it grew 0.6% from 421 to 423 lats.
The increase in public sector was caused by the irregular benefits paid in the state and local government businesses, as well as by the growth of the wage and salary level in local governments and institutions under their supervision.Rise of wages and salaries in local government sector, mainly, was caused by the growth of wages and salaries in education sector – by 11.0%, as well as in public administration – by 4.6%.
Compared to the 1st quarter, average gross wages in the 2nd quarter of this year in country totally witnessed the most notable rise in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply – 10.9%, in education – 9.8%, in transport and storage – 5.1%, in water supply; sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities – 4.9%, as well as in human health and social work activities – 4.7%.
Compared to the 2nd quarter of 2009, average gross wages and salaries in country in the 2nd quarter of this year decreased by 6.3% (from 474 to 444). Net wages and salaries during this time period reduced more rapidly – by 11.0% (from 355 to 316), and it may be explained with the fact that starting from January 1, 2010 population income tax rate grew from 23% to 26%, as well as on July 1, 2009 amount of monthly basic allowance reduced from 90 to 35 lats.
Compared to the 2nd quarter of previous year, monthly average gross wages and salaries in public sector in the 2nd quarter of this year diminished by 11.5% (from 536 to 474), of which in general government sector – by 14.3% (from 509 to 436). In private sector they reduced by 2.7% (from LVL 435 to 423).
Number of employees, recalculated at full time units used to calculate monthly average wages and salaries, in the 2nd quarter of this year, if compared to the 1st quarter, has increased by 8.6 thousand or by 1.4%, but fund of wages and salaries – by LVL 34.9 million or by 4.3%. During the year number of employees has diminished by 99.2 thousand or by 13.6%, but fund of wages and salaries – by LVL 197.8 million or by 19.0%.