The Labour Cost Index (LCI) working days adjusted increased by 6.0% in the 3rd quarter of 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. In the previous quarter the rate of change had been 14.6%.
This development was a result of the increase of 2.7% in the average cost per employee and the reduction of 2.9% in the number of hours actually worked per employee. As in the previous quarter, the decrease of the latter component took place in all the economic activities analysed. The increase of the average cost per employee was observed equally in all the economic activities.
The two main labour cost components per hour actually worked – wage costs and other costs – increased by 6.2% and by 4.9%, respectively, compared to the same period of the previous year.
Despite the circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Statistics Portugal calls for the best cooperation from enterprises, households and public bodies in responding to Statistics Portugal’s requests. The quality of official statistics, particularly their ability to identify the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, crucially depends on this cooperation, for which Statistics Portugal thanks you in advance.