French average earnings show small increase

WORKERS in France saw their average earnings increase by 2.6 per cent last year, down on the previous year and amongst the lowest in Europe.

A report published yesterday by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions that the increase in average earnings fell by 0.1 per cent, whilst employees whose wages are determined by collective agreements faired even worse.

These workers saw their pay increase by 1.7 per cent, which was one percentage point less than in 2007, and was the lowest amongst European Union members.

The study also found that the average earnings of women in France compared to their male counterparts was 88 per cent of men's wages.