Why wages rose 6.1% in 2011 despite a weak economy

The growth was even higher than the previous year's 5.7%, says latest survey.

According to the “Report on Wages in Singapore, 2011,” when taking into account the rise in consumer price index (CPI), the increase in real terms was 0.9% in 2011, lower than the gain of 2.9% in 2010.

The corresponding figures, meanhwile,when adjusted using CPI excluding imputed rentals on owner-occupied accommodation were 1.9% and 2.4%," the report said.

The Report on Wages in Singapore, 2011 presents the main findings of surveys on annual wage changes and wages of common occupations in Singapore in 2011. The Ministry of Manpower's Research and Statistics Department is in charge of the report.

"Over the long term, real wage increases have been broadly in line with labour productivity growth. From 2000 to 2011, real total wages (including employer CPF contributions) increased by 1.6% per annum (p.a.) while
labour productivity grew by 1.7% p.a.," the report added.