Minimum wage rises 4.2% in the Netherlands

The minimum wage in the Netherlands increased this month to €284.25 a week or €56.85 a day.

This is a 2.09% rise on the previous figure, set on 1 January 2002 and represents a 4.2% increase over 12 months. In the Netherlands the minimum wage rises in line with collectively negotiated pay scales and is uprated every six months. However, the full amount is only paid to those over 23. Younger workers get a percentage of the full amount with 18-year olds, for example, only getting 45.5% of the full rate.

Figures from the labour ministry in the Netherlands show that so far this year pay increases have averaged 4%. The figures are based on 60 collective agreements signed by 15 May 2002. Inflation in June was 3.4%.