12 September 2006
31 August 2005
New statistics released today by the States Statistics Unit show that average earnings for Jersey increased by 5.3 per cent in the year to June 2005. This increase is broadly in line with inflation seen over the period and with the average earnings growth of the last 14 years.
Average earnings in the private sector rose by 5 per cent in the 12 months ending June 2005, while average earnings among public sector employees rose by 6.9 per cent in the same period. This comparatively high figure occurs because the majority of public sector employees received a delayed pay rise for 2004 in addition to the award for 2005 in the same 12-month period, so they both showed up in the same year.
On a two year basis, earnings increased by 4.3 per cent per year, with very similar rises for the private sector (4.3 per cent) and the public sector (4.5 per cent). Over this period, inflation as measured by the RPI increased by an average of 4.5 per cent per year.
The latest data shows earnings growing at a faster rate than seen in June 2004, when the annual increase was 3.3 per cent. This reflects the increases across most sectors, specifically agriculture and construction, and the two-year deals for the public sector and some utilities.
The statistics include wages, salaries and overtime, but exclude bonuses.
Commenting on the publication of the Index, Finance and Economics President Senator Terry Le Sueur said: “While the increase in earnings among public sector employees seems surprising at first glance, one must remember that the 6.9 per cent increase represents increases for two years. Taken as an average over the last two years, the public sector has been awarded pay increases which are in line with other business areas.”
He went on: “The results are good for Jersey because they show that confidence is being restored among private sector firms. This confirms the feedback that we are receiving from the private sector, that employers are supportive of the major strategic policies which the States has adopted in the last 15 months.”
The survey results are also good news for Jersey’s pensioners, who will automatically receive an increase in pension on October 1 which reflects the 5.3 per cent overall increase in the Average Earnings Index.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Senator Terry Le Sueur, President, Finance and Economics Committee. Tel 863994 until 2.15pm, or 07797 718798 thereafter
Senator Paul Routier, President, Employment and Social Security Committee. Tel 725736
For further information about the statistics or a copy of the report, Index of Average Earnings - June 2005, please contact:
Duncan Millard, Head of Statistics. Tel 603418
www.gov.je/statistics
gov.je