France: Minimum wage increased by 0.9%

The French government increased the statutory national minimum wage, the smic, by 0.9% from 1 July 2008.

The hourly rate of the smic has risen to €8.71 gross (€6.84 net) from the €8.63 set in May 2008, the equivalent of €1,321.02 gross (€1,037.53 net) per month, assuming a normal 35-hour week, up from the previous €1,308.91.