Latvia: average gross monthly wage increases 2.9% in Q2

Average monthly gross wage in Latvia comprised LVL 444 in the second quarter of 2010, which is LVL 13 or 2.9 percent more if compared to the first quarter, according to the Central Statistical Bureau's data.

In the first quarter, the average gross wage in Latvia was LVL 431, whereas in the fourth quarter of 2009 - LVL 440.

In the public sector the average gross wage grew 6.4 percent in the second quarter, from LVL 446 to LVL 474, but in the private sector - by 0.6 percent, from LVL 421 to LVL 423.

The increase in the gross wage the public sector was caused by irregular benefits paid at the state and municipal enterprises, as well as by increasing wages at local governments and institutions under their supervision.

Compared to the first quarter, the average gross wage increased the most in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply - 10.9 percent, in education - 9.8 percent, in transport and storage - 5.1 percent, in water supply; sewerage, waste management - 4.9 percent, as well as in health care and social work - 4.7 percent.

Compared to the second quarter of 2009, the average gross wage in Latvia decreased by 6.3 percent. Net wage reduced more rapidly - by 11 percent, from LVL 355 to LVL 316, and it may be explained with the fact that starting from January 1, personal income tax rate grew from 23 percent to 26 percent, and the amount of tax-exempt minimum income reduced from LVL 90 to LVL 35 on July 1.

Compared to the second quarter of previous year, the average gross wage in public sector in the second quarter of this year diminished by 11.5 percent (from LVL 536 to LVL 474), of which in general government sector - by 14.3 percent (from LVL 509 to LVL 436), and by 2.7 percent in the private sector (from LVL 435 to LVL 423).

LETA

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