The decrease of the average monthly gross wages and salaries continued

The real wages which took into account the influence of the change in the consumer price index continued decreasing in the 3rd quarter. If in the 1st and 2nd quarter of 2009 real wages decreased by 4.5% and 4.1%, respectively, then in the 3rd quarter the real wages decreased 4.9%. As of the end of September, the number of employees decreased 10.9% compared to the same period of the previous year.

Compared to the 3rd quarter of the previous year, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (2.7%). The monthly gross wages and salaries decreased the most in construction (13.8%).

Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2008, the average hourly gross wages and salaries increased the most in professional, scientific and technical activities (2.5%). The average hourly gross wages and salaries decreased the most in agriculture, forestry and fishing (13.0%).

The average gross wages and salaries were 11,995 kroons in July, 11,262 kroons in August and 12,046 kroons in September.

In the 3rd quarter of 2009, the employer’s average monthly labour costs per employee were 16,018 kroons and the average hourly labour costs were 115.45 kroons. Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2008, the average monthly labour costs per employee and the average hourly labour costs decreased 5.0% and 3.5%, respectively.

Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2008, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased the most in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (3.2%) and decreased the most in construction (12.8%).

Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2008, the average hourly labour costs increased the most in water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation services (2.6%) and decreased the most in agriculture, forestry and fishing (11.4%).

Statistics Estonia conducts the survey of wages and salaries statistics on the basis of international methodology since 1992. In 2009, the sample includes 11,263 enterprises, institutions and organisations. The average monthly gross wages and salaries have been given in full time units to enable a comparison of different wages and salaries, irrespective of the length of working time. Calculations of the monthly gross wages and salaries are based on payments for actually worked time and remuneration for time not worked. The hourly gross wages and salaries do not include remuneration for time not worked (holiday leave pay, benefits, etc.). In short term statistics, the average gross wages and salaries are measured as a component of labour costs. Labour costs include gross wages and salaries, employer’s contributions and employer’s imputed social contributions to employees.

The low monthly wages and salaries of educational staff in the 3rd quarter was related to the reflecting of holiday pay of the most of employees in the 2nd quarter.

Average monthly gross wages and salaries and monthly labour costs per employee, 3rd quarter 2009

Average hourly gross wages and salaries and hourly labour costs, 3rd quarter 2009