Hungary: Wages grow more quickly

Average gross and net monthly earnings increased by 13.8% YoY in January, significantly exceeding market expectations (12% YoY) and the average of last year by 0.9ppt. Considering the 2.1% inflation rate, real wages rose by 11.5% YoY in the first month of 2018.

Wages increased by 15.3% YoY in the public sector and by 13.2% YoY in the private sector. The rise in minimum wages for skilled and unskilled labour (12% and 8%, respectively) played a significant role in the robust wage increase. The difference in wage growth between sectors is mainly due to the ongoing wage settlements in the public sector. It is important to note that in some of the public companies, wage agreements came into force with a significant delay in 2017, causing a low base. In addition, the increasing labour shortage has supported wage growth.

Regarding labour demand, the big picture is still optimistic. Remarkable recruitment translated into a 118.5k increase in the number of workers in the primary labour market. The number of fostered workers (low-paid workers in a programme set up by the government) decreased by 41k YoY to 149k. Nevertheless, we should treat the data with a pinch of salt, as Hungary's Central Statistical Office has just changed its methodology, widening the base of its survey.