Average hourly wages rise only 1c in past four years

Average hourly earnings across the economy have risen by a meagre 1 cent to €22.23 since the worst of the economic crisis four years ago.

It suggests that the large numbers of unemployed and under-employed are keeping a brake on any wage increases despite the economic upturn.

CSO data published yesterday also showed average weekly earnings increased by €3.60 in the past year, but that only five of 13 employment sectors increased their wages.