Minimum wage set to increase

From 1st December, France's minimum wage will be set at 9.19 euros per hour

The news comes as a breath of fresh air for all employees on low incomes. The new measures will come into force around 1st December 2011, when the minimum wage will be automatically increased by a figure of 2.1%.

Due to changes in inflation, 2.3 million French people who earn within the minimum wage bracket can expect to see their hourly gross rate increase from 9 euros to 9.19 euros, or 1393.82 euros per month.

The proposed wage modifications create room for bi-annual adjustments. Firstly, for an annual 1st January increase based on price trends and secondly, a mid-year re-evaluation when inflation generally hits its peak.

French statistical website Insee published a statement from the General Director of Labour today confirming the re-evaluation. “Consumer index is rising at a rate of 0.2% per month and at around 2.3% year after year, excluding tobacco. For this reason, the national minimum wage must be increased accordingly.”

During the last wage re-evaluation on 1st January this year, minimum wage rose by 1.6%, from 8.86 euros to 9 euros gross per hour.

Louise Kirby