Smallest wage rise since 2005

Collectively negotiated wage rates in the Netherlands were 1.2 percent higher on average in the second quarter of 2010 than twelve months previously. This is the smallest rise since 2005. Wages in the subsidised sector rose by most: 1.8 percent. In the private sector they rose by 1.0 percent.

Collectively negotiated wage rates by sector

Contractual wage costs 1.4 percent higher

In the second quarter of 2010, contractual wage costs were 1.4 percent higher than twelve months previously. Developments in wage costs are similar to those in the collectively negotiated wage rates.

The increase in wage costs was largest in health care and welfare, at 2.7 percent. The main reason for this was the increase in the wage rates which rose by 2.2 percent in the second quarter of 2010. The second largest increase in wage costs was in the hotel and restaurant industry, where they rose by 2.2 percent. This was a result of the wage increase, but also of the increase in employer-paid premiums for the sector fund, from which among other things the first six month unemployment benefit are paid. The increase in wage costs was smallest for financial institutions.

Increase in contractual wage costs by sector of industry

Monique Hartog and Dick ter Steege