Salaries in national and sector-wide pay and conditions agreements rose an average 1.6% in the first six months of this year, according to new social affairs ministry figures.

The rise is below the average rate of inflation – 2% – but double the increase recorded in the first half of 2010.
Ministry researchers looked at 114 pay deals (caos), which cover a total 5.2 million workers.
In 49 of the deals, special provisions have been made to encourage the employment of people with a physical or mental handicap.