Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
Section E16 "Structure of Earnings Survey and Labour Cost Survey, Collective Bargaining Earnings Statistics"
1.3. Contact name
Restricted from publication
1.4. Contact person function
Restricted from publication
1.5. Contact mail address
65180 Wiesbaden Germany
1.6. Contact email address
Restricted from publication
1.7. Contact phone number
Restricted from publication
1.8. Contact fax number
Restricted from publication
2.1. Data description
The labour cost index is not a survey, but a complex calculation system that links existing statistics. The basic parameter of the calculations are "labour costs per hour worked". The labour cost index reflects the quarterly development of total labour costs. It offers two differentiation options: On the one hand, the development of labour costs can be shown broken down by individual economic sections. In addition to time series for the manufacturing industry and the service sector, time series are calculated for the manufacturing industry or the construction industry, for example. On the other hand, the index makes it possible to divide labour cost development into the two main components of labour costs: the index of gross earnings and the index of non-wage labour costs.
The labour cost index allows current insights into the development of the cost situation of the economy. On the one hand, it contributes to the assessment of Germany's international competitiveness as a production location. On the other hand, it signals risks to monetary stability that can arise from cost increases for producers. The labour cost index was mandated by EU regulations and thus allows a timely comparison of the labour cost developments of all 27 European member states on the basis of a harmonised methodological foundation.
The contribution of a mix of sources to the calculation of the German LCI, implies keeping into account a multitude of factors when evaluating the overall quality of the indicator. This report tries to make an overview of these factors, focusing on the main issues affecting the quality outcomes.
The organization of the report follows the criteria on statistics quality defined in the EU regulations and particularly the annex 1 of LCI Regulation No. 1216/2003.
Labour costs per hour worked and subdivided in salaries and other labour costs.
2.5. Statistical unit
Enterprises.
2.6. Statistical population
Enterprises with ten or more employees.
2.7. Reference area
Germany.
2.8. Coverage - Time
First quarter of 1996 until fourth quarter of 2023.
2.9. Base period
2020.
3.1. Source data
The following data sources are used in calculating the labour cost index:
Table 1: Database for calculation the labour cost index.
Periodicity
Type of data
Components used
Survey unit
Data source
Labour cost survey
every four years
Sample
gross earnings + employers’ social contributions
enterprise
Federal Statistical Office
Earnings Survey (from 2022 Q1 onwards)
monthly
Sample
employers’ imputed social contributions to old-age pension schemes and health care schemes paid hours
establish-ment
Federal Statistical Office
National accounts
quarterly
accounting system
expenditure on company old- age pension schemes
accounting system
Federal Statistical Office (data of the Pension Guarantee Association)
Employment accounts
quarterly
accounting system
persons in employment accounting system
accounting system
Federal Statistical Office
Working time and volume of measurement of the Institute for Employment Research
quarterly
accounting system
leave and holidays, working time accounts effects and compensation for calendar effects days of sick leave, days of paid leave and holidays
accounting system
Institute for Employment Research
As of the 1st quarter of 2022, the basis for the development of earnings was changed from the Quarterly Earnings Survey to the (monthly) Earnings Survey.
The labor cost survey and the earnings survey cover all economic sections relevant for the labor cost index. In contrast to the (monthly) earnings survey, the labor cost survey has a cut-off threshold: it only surveys companies with ten or more employees. In order to ensure a comparable methodology over time after the changeover from the Quarterly Earnings Survey to the Earnings Survey, only establishments with ten or more employees are included in the model calculation by the Earnings Survey for estimating the earnings parameters.
3.2. Frequency of data collection
Quarterly calculation.
3.3. Data collection
See chapter 3.1.
3.4. Data validation
There are many data sources used to compile the LCI time series (see chapter 3.1). These data sources are processed in an extensive and complex way that ensures all statistical problems are identified and addressed correctly and systematically each quarter. A lot of complex preliminary checks aimed at investigating and possibly correcting errors on administrative and survey data are carried on at micro level. Final key checks on macrodata are carried out.
3.5. Data compilation
Source data from the labour cost survey is extrapolated using the other data sources mentioned in chapter 3.1.
3.6. Adjustment
As regards the working day and seasonal adjustment see concept in chapter 6.4.
4.1. Quality assurance
Not applicable.
4.2. Quality management - assessment
The good quality of the labour cost index is mainly based on the results of the labour cost survey (see also chapter 3. Statistical Processing). The quarterly earnings and the results from National Accounts also contribute to the quality level achieved. For some labour cost components. However, most of which have a small weight, adequate data sources are not available so that estimates are required.
It is generally possible that the non-sampling errors contained in the basic statistics and included in the calculation of the labour cost index are also contained in the results of the labour cost index. In addition, there may be biases caused by estimated additions and deductions, other estimation procedures or updating of time series. Due to this situation, exact quantification is not possible.
In addition to the European Central Bank and the European Commission, the national users are: the German Bundesbank, several federal ministries, economic research institutes as well as enterprises and organisations representing their interests. Private enterprises and public administration make increasingly use of the labour cost index for sliding-price clauses in contracts.
5.1. Relevance - User Needs
The need for information on the part of the users of the labour cost index can be met.
5.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
The need for a more detailed level of NACE has been expressed.
5.3. Completeness
The labour cost index is available for all NACE sections B to S, starting from 1996q1.
5.3.1. Data completeness - rate
The ratio of the number of data cells provided to the number of data cells required is 100%.
6.1. Accuracy - overall
The basis used to calculate the labour cost index are the results of the labour cost survey. These data, which are collected every four years, are updated quarterly using various data sources. When new data become available from the labour cost survey, a benchmarking exercise is performed for the years between two labour cost surveys. The extent to which revision is caused by the benchmarking exercise can be an indicator of the labour cost index quality. As regards benchmarking between 2016 and 2020, the following adjustments were required for manufacturing, which is the largest economic sector. Labour costs had to be revised by an average annual 0.5% and hours worked by 0.1%.
6.2. Sampling error
Not applicable.
6.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Not applicable.
6.3. Non-sampling error
It is generally possible that the non-sampling errors contained in the basic statistics and included in the calculation of the labour cost index are also contained in the results of the labour cost index. In addition, there may be biases caused by estimated additions and deductions, other estimation procedures or updating of time series. Due to this situation, exact quantification is not possible.
6.3.1. Coverage error
Labour cost surveys 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020
Detailed information on structure for D.11 and D.12 for the years 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020;
Coverage: employees of enterprises with 10 and more employees.
Earnings Survey (used from 2022q1 onwards)
Quarterly data for D.11 + D.1221;
Coverage: As of the 1st quarter of 2022, the basis for the development of earnings was changed from the Quarterly Earnings Survey to the (monthly) Earnings Survey;
The labor cost survey and the earnings survey cover all economic sections relevant for the labor cost index. In contrast to the (monthly) earnings survey, the labor cost survey has a cut-off threshold: it only surveys companies with ten or more employees. In order to ensure a comparable methodology over time after the changeover from the Quarterly Earnings Survey to the Earnings Survey, only establishments with ten or more employees are included in the model calculation by the Earnings Survey for estimating the earnings parameters.
Table 2: Proportional share of employees represented by the results of the labour cost survey in 2020 and Earnings Survey in 2023 in the number of employees in accordance with ESA 2010.
Section of NACE Rev. 2
Share of represented employees in %
Labour cost survey 2020
Earnings Survey 2023
B
107
100
C
86
88
D
87
91
E
89
118
F
59
69
G
79
88
H
90
104
I
56
99
J
88
86
K
86
86
L
45
92
M
77
94
N
88
82
O
89
83
P
96
87
Q
80
82
R
57
71
S
54
69
6.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
Not applicable.
6.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
See chapter 6.3.1.
6.3.2. Measurement error
Measurement errors of the source data can influence the quality of the labour cost index. The main data sources are subject to quality criteria of official statistics.
6.3.3. Non response error
No data collection is carried out for the labour cost index.
6.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
Not applicable.
6.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Not applicable.
6.3.4. Processing error
Not applicable.
6.3.4.1. Imputation - rate
Not applicable.
6.3.5. Model assumption error
Not applicable.
6.4. Seasonal adjustment
The quarterly data are adjusted for seasonal and calendar variations using the internationally common X-13 JDemetra+ analysis method. As a special user service, the Federal Statistical Office also publishes calendar and seasonally adjusted analysis results obtained with the Berlin method (BV 4.1). The two procedures are based on different mathematical-statistical methods and can therefore produce different results.
The working day and seasonally adjusted German LCI time series are produced according to an indirect approach: the total labour cost aggregate by section, as well as the totals of each labour cost component are derived by summing up the related adjusted component series. A hierarchical calculation sequence must be followed: firstly the total labour cost by sections are calculated from earnings and non-wage costs and secondly their aggregation brings to the LCI totals.
A revision covers the processes of reviewing and updating results, for instance, by incorporating new data, statistics and/or methods in the accounting system. In this context, a distinction is made between continuous revisions which concern smaller corrections in the data of individual quarters or years and major or “large“ revisions. The latter are basic revisions of the time series as a whole.
Reasons for major revisions are, for example, new statistical bases for calculation which have not been used so far.
6.6. Data revision - practice
The data sources used to calculate the labour cost index (national accounts, employment accounts and the working time and volume of work measurements of the Institute for Employment Research) are again accounting systems using various data sources. At regular intervals, possibly even quarterly, the results are revised. Such revisions are taken over, at least partly, for the labour cost index.
6.6.1. Data revision - average size
Table 3: Growth rate of the unadjusted time series on the same quarter a year earlier Date of publication: 1st quarter 2020 to 4th quarter 2023.
NACE Rev. 2
Absolute revision
Change if sign
Weight in the index for sections B to S of NACE Rev. 2 in 2023
Mean
Maximum
in %
Number
in %
B-S
0.4
2.6
-
100
B
2.3
9.4
2
0.13
C
0.6
3.7
1
22.22
D
1.2
7.1
4
1.19
E
0.7
2.5
-
0.79
F
0.9
5.6
2
5.18
G
0.6
3.2
-
10.76
H
0.6
3.6
1
4.54
I
1.9
16.3
-
2
J
0.6
2.1
-
5.29
K
0.9
5.1
-
3.83
L
1.0
4.5
-
1.14
M
0.8
3.5
1
8.29
N
0.7
4.1
1
4.68
O
0.5
2.6
-
8.13
P
0.5
2.3
-
6.29
Q
0.6
3.5
-
12.42
R
1.5
8.5
2
0.95
S
0.9
5.9
-
2.15
Table 4: Impact of seasonal adjustment on the level of revisions of the Index of labour costs Revision Original-, Sections B to S of NACE Rev. 2, Growth rate on the same quarter a year earlier in % Date of publication 1st quarter 2020 to 4th quarter 2023
Unadjusted time series
Calendar adjusted time series
Seasonal and calendar adjusted time series
in %
Mean absolute revision
0,4
0,4
0,6
Maximal absolute revision
2,6
2,5
4,5
Change of sign
-
-
2
Table 5: Explanations for the larger revisions of the years 2007 to 2023.
Published Quarter
Most important reasons for the revisions
1std qtr 2010
Quarterly Earnings Survey became the new main data source from the 1st quarter 2007:
This change caused revision in the LCI time series starting with the 1st quarter 2007. Also, the time series from 2007 was chained with the time series for the period 1996 to 2006. The change rates on the previous quarter were adjusted in accordance with the seasonal figure of the new data source, thus deviating from the previously published values.
2rd qtr 2010
Benchmarking of the LCI to the results of the LCSs 2004 and 2008:
The cost items of the indices LCI_TOT, LCI_WAG and LCI_OTH were adjusted to correspond to the results of the labour cost surveys 2004 and 2008. A mathematical method (Proportional Denton approach) ensured that the revisions over the whole period 2004 to 2008 were as small as possible. The series for 2008 and thereafter were not affected.
1st qtr 2012
National accounts became the new main data source from 1st quarter 2012:
Due to methodical changings in the Quarterly Earnings Survey these data could not be used for the calculations of the LCI for the reporting quarters in 2012. Thus, since 2012 LCI series are mainly based on the results of National Accounts.
1st qtr 2014
Quarterly Earnings Survey again became the main data source from the 1st quarter 2014:
The effects of the methodological changes in the Quarterly Earnings Survey have worn off, so that it again can be used as main data source. Retroactive use of Quarterly Earnings Survey as main data source from 1st quarter2013.
2rd qtr 2014
Benchmarking of the LCI to the results of the LCSs 2008 and 2012:
The cost items of the indices LCI_TOT, LCI_WAG and LCI_OTH were adjusted to correspond to the results of the labour cost surveys 2004 and 2008. A mathematical method (Proportional Denton approach) ensured that the revisions over the whole period 2008 to 2012 were as small as possible. The series for 2012 and thereafter were not affected.
2rd qtr 2018
Benchmarking of the LCI to the results of the LCSs 2012 and 2016:
The cost items of the indices LCI_TOT, LCI_WAG and LCI_OTH were adjusted to correspond to the results of the labour cost surveys 2012 and 2016. A mathematical method (Proportional Denton approach) ensured that the revisions over the whole period 2012 to 2016 were as small as possible. The series for 2016 and thereafter were not affected.
1st qtr 2022
Change from Quarterly Earnings Survey to Earnings survey
The August 2020 amendment to the National Earnings Statistics Act replaced, among other things, the Quarterly Earnings Survey with the Monthly Earnings Survey. While the earnings data for Q1 2022 were estimated from the Quarterly Earnings Survey of the last ten years, the results from Q2 2022 onward are leveled by a factor of (Q1 2022 collected in Earnings Survey)/(Q1 2022 from Quarterly Earnings Survey 2022). Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that the prior-year comparison in reporting year 2022 in particular will be distorted by these methodological adjustments. The amount of the effect cannot be quantified. (break in the time series)
2rd qtr 2022
Benchmarking of the LCI to the results of the LCSs 2016 and 2020:
The cost items of the indices LCI_TOT, LCI_WAG and LCI_OTH were adjusted to correspond to the results of the labour cost surveys 2016 and 2020. A mathematical method (Proportional Denton approach) ensured that the revisions over the whole period 2016 to 2020 were as small as possible.
Table 6: Index of labour costs for sections B to S (NACE Rev. 2) by time of release; Growth rates of unadjusted time-series on the same quarter a year earlier in %
Time of first release
2020
2021
2022
2023
1st qtr
2ndqtr
3rdstqtr
4stht qtr
1st qtr
2ndqtr
3rdstqtr
4stht qtr
1st qtr
2ndqtr
3rdstqtr
4stht qtr
1st qtr
2ndqtr
3rdstqtr
4stht qtr
Reporting quarter
2020
1st qtr
3.9
4.3
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
3.2
4.0
4.0
3.5
3.3
3.3
3.3
2ndqtr
5.1
3.9
3.9
3.9
4.2
4.2
4.2
4.2
1.8
2.8
2.8
2.1
1.9
1.9
1.9
3rdstqtr
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3
4.0
4.8
4.8
4.3
4.4
4.4
4.4
4sthqtr
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
-0.1
1.1
1.1
0.0
0.4
0.4
0.4
2021
1st qtr
2.1
1.7
1.8
1.7
1.8
0.5
0.4
0.4
0.4
-0.2
-0.2
-0.2
2ndqtr
-0.6
-0.4
-0.5
-0.5
-0.7
-0.6
-0.6
-0.7
-1.2
-1.2
-1.2
3rdstqtr
2.6
2.7
2.7
2.2
2.2
2.2
2.2
1.7
1.7
1.6
4sthqtr
2.1
2.1
3.9
3.9
3.9
4.0
3.2
3.2
3.1
2022
1st qtr
4.2
5.0
4.0
4.1
3.9
4.3
4.3
4.3
2ndqtr
4.7
4.2
6.8
6.7
7.3
7.3
7.2
3rdstqtr
0.2
2.7
2.6
2.1
2.1
2.1
4sthqtr
7.6
7.6
8.3
8.3
8.2
2023
1st qtr
5.5
5.7
5.8
5.8
2ndqtr
4.0
4.0
4.0
3rdstqtr
6.1
6.1
4sthqtr
3.1
7.1. Timeliness
According to the Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1216/2003 of 7 July 2003, Member States shall transmit the quarterly results of their LCI statistics to the Commission (Eurostat) no later than 70 days after the end of the reference period.
Table 7: Timeliness and Punctuality in the delivery of LCI
Year
Quarter
Target Date
Actual date
Delay in days
2018
1. Quarter
08 June 2018
08 June 2018
-
2.Quarer
07 Septemeber 2018
07 September 2018
-
3.Quarter
07 December 2018
07 December 2018
-
4.Quarter
11 March 2019
11 March 2019
-
2019
1.Quarter
07 June 2019
07 June 2019
-
2.Quarter
06 September 2019
06 September 2019
-
3.Quarter
09 December 2019
09 December 2019
-
4.Quarter
10 March 2020
10 March 2020
-
2020
1.Quarter
09 June 2020
09 June 2020
-
2.Quarter
08 September 2020
08 September 2020
-
3.Quarter
09 December 2020
09 December 2020
-
4.Quarter
11 March 2021
11 March 2021
-
2021
1.Quarter
09 June 2021
09 June 2021
-
2.Quarter
08 September 2021
08 September 2021
-
3.Quarter
09 December 2021
09 December 2021
-
4.Quarter
11 March 2022
11 March 2022
-
2022
1.Quarter
09 June 2022
09 June 2022
-
2.Quarter
08 September 2022
05 September 2022
-
3.Quarter
09 December 2022
24 November 2022
-
4.Quarter
11 March 2023
13 March 2023 1)
-
2023
1.Quarter
09 June 2023
07 June 2023
-
2.Quarter
08 September 2023
07 September 2023
-
3.Quarter
09 December 20231)
07 December 2023
-
4.Quarter
10 March 20241)
08 March 2024
-
As the delivery date fell on a Saturday or Sunday, Eurostat also accepted the following Monday as a punctual delivery date.
7.1.1. Time lag - first result
Not applicable.
7.1.2. Time lag - final result
Not applicable.
7.2. Punctuality
See Table 7
7.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
See chapter 7.2
8.1. Comparability - geographical
With the revision taking effect from the 4th quarter 2004, the computation system of the labour cost index was geared to the results of National Accounts (NA). That caused a high coherency of the two statistics, which is reflected by only small deviations between highly aggregated unadjusted time series of the compensation of employees (NA) and labour costs (labour cost index). Starting with the first publication of the 1st quarter 2010 the calculation of the LCI was changed retrospectively from the 1st quarter 2007: The Quarterly Earnings Survey became the new main data source. Therefore, differences have occurred between the LCI and compensation of employees from 2007 onwards (with an exception: from 2012 to 2013 again National Accounts were the fundamental data source for the calculation of the LCI.)
The definitions of the cost components which the labour cost index is based on correspond to those used in the context of the labour cost survey. The definitions of the cost components used in the labour cost survey are harmonized with those of the European System of Accounts (ESA). Hence, there is consistency between national accounts and the labour cost index. The EU regulations concerning the labour cost index form the basis for obtaining results that are comparable at the European level. Regional results for Germany are not available.
8.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not applicable.
8.2. Comparability - over time
There are conceptual and methodological differences concerning the main data source used to compile LCI between the time series of different quarters. Main data source:
1996 - 2006: National Accounts
2007 - 2011: Quarterly Earnings Survey
2012 - 2013: National Accounts
2014 - 2021: Quarterly Earnings Survey
From 2022 Earnings Survey onwards
8.2.1. Length of comparable time series
Comparable time series are available starting from 1996q1.
8.3. Coherence - cross domain
See chapters 8.4, 8.5 and 8.6
8.4. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
There are no differences between the growth rates of the 4-yearly labour cost surveys (LCS), the growth rates of the quarterly LCI and the growth rates of the yearly estimations of labour costs. The LCI time series are adjusted by the results of the 4-yearly-LCS (see also chapter 6.1)
8.5. Coherence - National Accounts
Table 8: Cohärenz labour cost index and National Accounts
Economic acivity
Nace Rev.2
2021
2022
2023
1st qtr.
2nd qtr.
3rd qtr.
4th qtr.
1st qtr.
2nd qtr.
3rd qtr.
4th qtr.
1st qtr.
2nd qtr.
3rd qtr.
4th qtr.
Index of labour costs (unadjusted Timeseries)
Industry and service Sector
B – S
-0.2
-1.2
1.6
3.1
4.3
7.2
2.1
8.2
5.8
4.0
6.1
3.1
Compensation of employees per hour worked
Industry and service Sector
A – T
1.4
-2.4
1.0
1.7
3.3
5.1
1.3
6.4
5.3
5.8
7.0
5.8
8.6. Coherence - internal
The results of the 4-yearly labour cost survey, the yearly estimations of labour costs and the quarterly LCI are consistent.
Germany published the labour cost Index for the first time on 9 June 2005 when the data were supplied for the 1st quarter 2005. Since then all time series as well as meta data have been accessible free of charge in the data base GENESIS-Online at this website. Further background information and an example table are available at the DESTATIS website (Follow: Themes -> labour -> labour costs, non-wage costs).
9.1. Dissemination format - News release
The publication of the results (70 days after the end of the reporting quarter) is accompanied by a press release.
9.2. Dissemination format - Publications
Not applicable.
9.3. Dissemination format - online database
Detailed results of the labour cost index can be obtained free of charge from the Genesis-Online database (Code: 62421).
9.3.1. Data tables - consultations
Not applicable.
9.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
Not applicable.
9.5. Dissemination format - other
Not applicable.
9.6. Documentation on methodology
Methodological documentation is available in this report as well as through the national quality report and short description on destatis' website.
As the labour cost index is based on an accounting system which processes results of existing primary and secondary statistics, respondents are not additionally burdened.
See sub-points
11.1. Confidentiality - policy
Pursuant to Article 16, para. 1 of the Federal Statistics Law (BStatG), the bodies of German official statistics must keep individual data secret. Exceptions are individual data which cannot serve to identify a respondent or aggregated together with the data of other respondents (tables). The labour cost index is a set of secondary statistics whose data basis largely consists of data published earlier in other statistics.
11.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
The labour cost index is largely calculated on the basis of other statistics whose results were published earlier. In this respect, all relevant confidentiality and data protection principles were observed before. Individual data of these statistics are not used.
Not available.
The labour cost index is not a survey, but a complex calculation system that links existing statistics. The basic parameter of the calculations are "labour costs per hour worked". The labour cost index reflects the quarterly development of total labour costs. It offers two differentiation options: On the one hand, the development of labour costs can be shown broken down by individual economic sections. In addition to time series for the manufacturing industry and the service sector, time series are calculated for the manufacturing industry or the construction industry, for example. On the other hand, the index makes it possible to divide labour cost development into the two main components of labour costs: the index of gross earnings and the index of non-wage labour costs.
The labour cost index allows current insights into the development of the cost situation of the economy. On the one hand, it contributes to the assessment of Germany's international competitiveness as a production location. On the other hand, it signals risks to monetary stability that can arise from cost increases for producers. The labour cost index was mandated by EU regulations and thus allows a timely comparison of the labour cost developments of all 27 European member states on the basis of a harmonised methodological foundation.
The contribution of a mix of sources to the calculation of the German LCI, implies keeping into account a multitude of factors when evaluating the overall quality of the indicator. This report tries to make an overview of these factors, focusing on the main issues affecting the quality outcomes.
The organization of the report follows the criteria on statistics quality defined in the EU regulations and particularly the annex 1 of LCI Regulation No. 1216/2003.
Labour costs per hour worked and subdivided in salaries and other labour costs.
Enterprises.
Enterprises with ten or more employees.
Germany.
Not Applicable
The basis used to calculate the labour cost index are the results of the labour cost survey. These data, which are collected every four years, are updated quarterly using various data sources. When new data become available from the labour cost survey, a benchmarking exercise is performed for the years between two labour cost surveys. The extent to which revision is caused by the benchmarking exercise can be an indicator of the labour cost index quality. As regards benchmarking between 2016 and 2020, the following adjustments were required for manufacturing, which is the largest economic sector. Labour costs had to be revised by an average annual 0.5% and hours worked by 0.1%.
Not Applicable
Source data from the labour cost survey is extrapolated using the other data sources mentioned in chapter 3.1.
The following data sources are used in calculating the labour cost index:
Table 1: Database for calculation the labour cost index.
Periodicity
Type of data
Components used
Survey unit
Data source
Labour cost survey
every four years
Sample
gross earnings + employers’ social contributions
enterprise
Federal Statistical Office
Earnings Survey (from 2022 Q1 onwards)
monthly
Sample
employers’ imputed social contributions to old-age pension schemes and health care schemes paid hours
establish-ment
Federal Statistical Office
National accounts
quarterly
accounting system
expenditure on company old- age pension schemes
accounting system
Federal Statistical Office (data of the Pension Guarantee Association)
Employment accounts
quarterly
accounting system
persons in employment accounting system
accounting system
Federal Statistical Office
Working time and volume of measurement of the Institute for Employment Research
quarterly
accounting system
leave and holidays, working time accounts effects and compensation for calendar effects days of sick leave, days of paid leave and holidays
accounting system
Institute for Employment Research
As of the 1st quarter of 2022, the basis for the development of earnings was changed from the Quarterly Earnings Survey to the (monthly) Earnings Survey.
The labor cost survey and the earnings survey cover all economic sections relevant for the labor cost index. In contrast to the (monthly) earnings survey, the labor cost survey has a cut-off threshold: it only surveys companies with ten or more employees. In order to ensure a comparable methodology over time after the changeover from the Quarterly Earnings Survey to the Earnings Survey, only establishments with ten or more employees are included in the model calculation by the Earnings Survey for estimating the earnings parameters.
Not Applicable
According to the Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1216/2003 of 7 July 2003, Member States shall transmit the quarterly results of their LCI statistics to the Commission (Eurostat) no later than 70 days after the end of the reference period.
Table 7: Timeliness and Punctuality in the delivery of LCI
Year
Quarter
Target Date
Actual date
Delay in days
2018
1. Quarter
08 June 2018
08 June 2018
-
2.Quarer
07 Septemeber 2018
07 September 2018
-
3.Quarter
07 December 2018
07 December 2018
-
4.Quarter
11 March 2019
11 March 2019
-
2019
1.Quarter
07 June 2019
07 June 2019
-
2.Quarter
06 September 2019
06 September 2019
-
3.Quarter
09 December 2019
09 December 2019
-
4.Quarter
10 March 2020
10 March 2020
-
2020
1.Quarter
09 June 2020
09 June 2020
-
2.Quarter
08 September 2020
08 September 2020
-
3.Quarter
09 December 2020
09 December 2020
-
4.Quarter
11 March 2021
11 March 2021
-
2021
1.Quarter
09 June 2021
09 June 2021
-
2.Quarter
08 September 2021
08 September 2021
-
3.Quarter
09 December 2021
09 December 2021
-
4.Quarter
11 March 2022
11 March 2022
-
2022
1.Quarter
09 June 2022
09 June 2022
-
2.Quarter
08 September 2022
05 September 2022
-
3.Quarter
09 December 2022
24 November 2022
-
4.Quarter
11 March 2023
13 March 2023 1)
-
2023
1.Quarter
09 June 2023
07 June 2023
-
2.Quarter
08 September 2023
07 September 2023
-
3.Quarter
09 December 20231)
07 December 2023
-
4.Quarter
10 March 20241)
08 March 2024
-
As the delivery date fell on a Saturday or Sunday, Eurostat also accepted the following Monday as a punctual delivery date.
With the revision taking effect from the 4th quarter 2004, the computation system of the labour cost index was geared to the results of National Accounts (NA). That caused a high coherency of the two statistics, which is reflected by only small deviations between highly aggregated unadjusted time series of the compensation of employees (NA) and labour costs (labour cost index). Starting with the first publication of the 1st quarter 2010 the calculation of the LCI was changed retrospectively from the 1st quarter 2007: The Quarterly Earnings Survey became the new main data source. Therefore, differences have occurred between the LCI and compensation of employees from 2007 onwards (with an exception: from 2012 to 2013 again National Accounts were the fundamental data source for the calculation of the LCI.)
The definitions of the cost components which the labour cost index is based on correspond to those used in the context of the labour cost survey. The definitions of the cost components used in the labour cost survey are harmonized with those of the European System of Accounts (ESA). Hence, there is consistency between national accounts and the labour cost index. The EU regulations concerning the labour cost index form the basis for obtaining results that are comparable at the European level. Regional results for Germany are not available.
There are conceptual and methodological differences concerning the main data source used to compile LCI between the time series of different quarters. Main data source:
