Public workers get €300 more a week

Public sector wages have risen in the second quarter and workers in the sector now earn on average €300 per week more than their private sector counterparts.

Figures published by the CSO yesterday showed weekly private sector earnings fell 0.5% over the past four years, compared with a 2.8% increase in the public sector over the same period.

Figures for the second quarter of this year show the average weekly earnings in the private sector at €611.66 — down 1.9% compared with the first three months of 2012.