That’s according to figures released by the national statistics bureau Statec on 26 March.

The overall average in Luxembourg and Belgium in 2017 was €39, compared to €26 across the EU, €30 in the euro area, €34 in Germany and €35 in France.

However, hourly labour costs were lower in Luxembourg for certain sectors. It was lower than all three Greater Region neighbours in the industry segment and in the construction sector.

Luxembourg retail workers were less expensive to employ on an hourly basis than those in Belgium; Luxembourg hospitality sector staff cost less than those in France; and those working in administrative and support services activities cost Luxembourg employers less than those in both Belgium and France.

The figures are based on Statec’s and Eurostat’s four-yearly “Labour Cost Survey” of more than 2,600 companies with 10 or more employees (and excluding the agriculture and public service sectors). Costs include direct and indirect expenses, including wages, bonuses, training fees and social insurance contributions.