Quebec employers predicting average salary increase of 2.8 per cent for 2013: Survey

Payroll taxes to increase $168 per employee

Quebec employers are predicting an average salary increase of 2.8 per cent for 2013, according to a survey by the Quebec Employers Council. This is similar to the increases in 2012.

The global economic uncertainty has led managers to be cautious from a remuneration perspective but the need to be able to rely on a quality, available labour force remains an issue as employers struggle to attract and hold on to employees with specific key competencies in certain activity sectors, said the council.

From a regional and industry standpoint, the expected wage increases in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and the anticipated salary hikes in the oil and gas sector, remain the highest, although the comparative gap is not overly significant, found the Special Report on 2013 Salary Forecasts.

There is also not expected to be major discrepancies in wage increases awarded in the various employment categories, such as technical and administrative staff, operational and production personnel, professionals, managers, senior executives.

"In a competitive global market context, where access to an available, quality labour force at a competitive cost is a priority, employers have to be able to benefit from the best possible conditions (particularly in terms of payroll taxes) to create wealth and provide competitive wages to their employees," said Yves-Thomas Dorval, president of the Quebec Employers Council.

Payroll taxes: $168 more per employee

In regards to payroll taxes, the expected wage increases for 2013 will represent an average yearly cost of an additional $168 per employee in payroll taxes. This increase takes into account the various contribution rates announced for 2013, such as contributions to the Occupational Health and Safety Fund, the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan and the Quebec Health Fund.

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