Workers rejoice: Six in 10 firms hiked average wages in June

The average wage rate inched up 1.2%.

Employees can breathe a sigh of relief as 64% of firms raised average wage rates in June compared to the 31% who lowered salaries over the same period, according to the Census & Statistics department. 

The remaining 5% of companies reported leaving their average wage rates unchanged.

Overall, the average wage rate across industries, which includes basic wages and other regular and guaranteed allowances and bonuses, rose by 1.2% in June.

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“[Y]ear-on-year wage gains were observed in both nominal and real terms across major industries and occupational groups in June 2018, thanks to the strong local economic conditions and tight labour market,” a government spokesperson said in a statement, adding that lower-paid workers continued to see appreciable wage growth.

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Payroll per person, which covers discretionary bonuses and irregular payments, also rose within the range 1.6% in August led by the accommodation and food services activities, real estate activities, as well as professional and business services.

The tight labour market is expected to boost the income situation of workers in the near term, the spokesperson added.