European news
Heady increase in Austrian brewing
The first settlements in the annual Austrian pay round were signed this month in the brewing industry, with separate agreements for manual and non-manual workers.
Most pay elements, including basic pay, are increased by 2.7%, although bonus payments only go up by 2.4%. Both figures are above inflation, which is currently 1.7% (September). The 2.7% increase takes the lowest basic pay for manual workers to €1,569.29 a month. The agreement is backdated to 1 September and lasts for 12 months.
The euro was worth 85p on 17 October.