France: Minimum wage increased by 2.1%

The national minimum wage (smic) has been increased by 2.1% from 1 July 2007, bringing the rate to €8.44 per hour, or €1,280.07 per month on the basis of the statutory normal working week of 35 hours.

Under the relevant legislation, the smic is increased automatically each year in line with the growth in the consumer prices index (excluding tobacco products) for "urban households headed by a blue- or white-collar worker", plus half the increase in the purchasing power of average hourly blue-collar pay.