In 2010, 17% of employees in the EU were low-wage earners

This publication is based on the latest issue of the four-yearly Structure of Earnings Survey (SES), which provides figures relating to October 2010. The SES is a large enterprise survey providing detailed information on the structure and distribution of earnings in the EU. Data refers to all employees (excluding apprentices) working in enterprises with 10 employees or more and which operate in all sectors of the economy except agriculture, forestry and fishing (NACE Rev. 2 section A) and public administration and defence; compulsory social security (NACE Rev. 2 section O). The main indicator presented in this publication is the proportion of low-wage earners. Low-wage earners are defined as those employees earning two thirds or less of the national median hourly earnings.