Real wages will grow by 6.7% this year, slightly above the rate of inflation, writes Napi.hu, based on a recent survey by Hay Group. The survey found that companies are planning to increase wages by 5.9% in 2009, while inflation is estimated to be at 4.6%.
The Hay Group survey also showed that 64% of companies are now using the food voucher system, up from 49% last year. The figure is expected to reach 80.7% in 2009. This year, the amount allocated for food vouchers was an average of Ft 204,000 (€844) for physical workers for the whole year, up from Ft 190,000 last year. Office workers can expect Ft 227,000 against Ft 210,000, while professionals will receive Ft 250,000 instead of the Ft 220,000 they were given last year. Executives will receive Ft 255,000, up from Ft 228,000 and top executives Ft 269,000, up from 230,000 last year. The above figures are all averages, Hay Group affiliate Balázs Fremda said, and top executives often receive Ft 500,000 to Ft 600,000 in food benefits.
The government, contrary to earlier plans, will not burden these vouchers with an 11% tax as planned, which will mean contributions can only be reduced by 4% rather than the 5% originally promised, writes Fn.hu.
The government will not burden cafeteria benefits with an 11% tax next year, finance minister János Veres announced last week. The government’s plans were earlier criticized by employer and employee organizations and tax experts alike. The “cost” of this change is that after April 1, 2009, employer contributions will be reduced by only 4% as opposed to the previously planned 5%.