The Council of Ministers approved new increases in the minimum wage, ranging from 1.5% to 10%, announced the Minister of Labor and Social Security.

"We want to emphasize that the minimum wage increases are certainly not the desirable ones, but the possible ones, taking into account the current economic and social situation of our country," said Margarida Talapa, during a press conference at the end of the Government's weekly session on Thursday.

The minister mentioned the negative impacts of the covid-19 pandemic, armed attacks in the center and north of the country, and the natural calamities that have affected the country as factors reflected in the approved percentage figures.

The civil service saw a 5% increase to 4,691 meticais, agriculture saw a 10% increase to 4,829 meticais, and industrial fishing saw a 3.7% increase to 5,570 meticais.

The mining industry in large enterprises increased by 6.4% to 9,846 meticais.

Quarries have an increase of 3.1% to 6,580 meticais, salt mines increase 4.5% and to 5,559 meticais and the manufacturing industry registers an increase of 6.4% to 7,450 meticais.

Bakery saw an increase from 7% to 5,350 meticais.

Large enterprises in the electricity, gas and water sector increased by 7.2% to pay 8,900 meticais and small enterprises increased by 7.2% to 7,246 meticais.

The construction sector registers an increase of 3.1% to 6,331 meticais.

Non-financial activities saw a rise of 6.5% to 7,300 meticais, hospitality 1.5% to 6,578 meticais.

The financial sector, banks and insurance companies recorded an increase of 5.9% to 13,409 meticais and microfinance, microinsurance and other entities of auxiliary activities recorded an increase of 5.9% to 11,913 meticais.

Lusa Agency