Minimum wage raised

THE minimum monthly wage for full time employees will be raised to 2,420 yuan (US$382) from next month, a rise of 120 yuan.

The current wage structure is already the highest in China. In 2008, it was 960 yuan per month.

The pay for part-time workers was increased from 20 yuan per hour to 21 yuan per hour last year.

In Shanghai, the minimum wage does not include the premiums employees have to contribute for insurance and provident fund, or for subsidies like food, commuting, housing, overtime or working in special conditions.

The wage structure is adjusted according to various factors, such as living expenses, consumer price index, and economic development and labor costs.