Big wage rises on cards in Shanghai

SHANGHAI: Workers here could be in for a big pay rise this year, if employers adopt the proposals of a government report.

An annual wage guideline by the Shanghai labor and social security bureau has recommended maximum increases of 16 percent, an average of 11 percent and a minimum of 5 percent. The figures are about 2 percentage points higher than last year.

Firms that paid about the same as the city's average - 34,707 yuan ($4,960) last year - are advised to give a raise of 11 percent. Those that paid about half the average should give the maximum, and companies that are not making money, about 5 percent.