Average weekly earnings up 2%

Average weekly earnings have risen by almost 2% in the second quarter of this year.

Figures released by the CSO show that the average weekly earnings were almost €698 a week in the second three months of this year, compared to €685 a year ago.

The average hourly wage also rose by 1.5% to €21.85 an hour. However this is down on the €22.25 average hourly wage in the first quarter of 2015.

The average weekly earnings increased in seven of the 13 work sectors compared to this time last year.