The Labour Cost Index (LCI) increased by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter of 2018 (1.1% in the previous quarter).1 The two main labour cost components – wage costs and other costs (both per hour actually worked) – increased by 1.9% and decreased by 0.1%, respectively, compared to the same period of the previous year. The increase of the first component took place in all economic activities, while the decrease of the second occurred in Public Administration.
The LCI rate of change was also explained by the increase of 1.3% in the average cost per employee and the decrease of 0.2% in the number of hours actually worked per employee. The increase of the first component took place in all activities while the decrease of the second only occurred in Public Administration and Construction.