HC Deb 16 May 1989 vol 153 cc168-9W
38. Mr. Beith

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how much unit labour costs in the United Kingdom have increased over the last 12 months; and what information he has as to by how much labour costs have increased over the same period in France, West Germany, Japan and the United States of America.

Mr. Lee

International comparisons of unit labour costs for the whole economy are not available. However, the latest available information for manufacturing industries is provided in the table:

Unit labour costs in manufacturing Percentage changes in the year to the fourth quarter of 1988
per cent.
United Kingdom 0.4
France -15
West Germany 0.7
Japan -2.0
United States 1.1

Notes:

1. The percentages are calculated from index series produced by the International Monetary Fund; the latest available figures for the five countries on a consistent basis are for the fourth quarter of 1988.

2. The source index series are in local currency and are not adjusted for exchange rate changes.

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