The average increase of wages in the countries in Eastern Europe will be one of the highest in the world next year, shows research conducted by Mercers consultants company.

Bulgaria is one of the countries, which are to see the highest pay increase in 2008 – 9.3%, according to prognosis. Inflation is projected at 4.4%, which means the actual pay rise will be around 4.9%.

By comparison, the average wage increase in CEE is estimated at 6.9%.

The pay rise in countries in Central Europe will be considerably lower, and will also be eaten up to a large extent by inflation. The Czech Republic will have the smallest actual pay increase – 4%, since inflation is viewed at 3.1%.

Average salaries are expected to rise 6% globally next year, or 2 percentage points above inflation.

The largest actual increase is expected in India, where salaries will rise 14% and inflation is projected at up to 4% - an actual increase of 10%.

Logically, the slowest increase will be witnessed in the countries of North America and Western Europe, where salaries are currently way above those in the developing countries.

The research covers 62 countries.

A strong growth in salaries is expected in the region of Asia and the Pacific Ocean – 6.65%, or 3.3% adjusted for inflation.

Outsourcing of businesses from developed to developing countries will continue as a trend, says Mercers.

At the same time there will be a global demand for qualified specialists, and their salaries will rapidly grow, amidst competition between companies.

Among developed European economies, salaries will increase the most in Ireland – 4.7%, which is 3.4% above prognosed inflation.