In January 2012, a total of 373,050 people were working in Luxembourg, of which 156,256 were cross-border commuters. Luxembourg's workforce is highly skilled and specialized, and the job market profits from the multilingual environment and the high standard of education. The rate of unemployment is 5.9% as of January 2012.

Working conditions

A minimum statutory wage (salaire social minimum) is laid down by law for all employees hired under a work contract. The rate is determined by the employee’s qualification and their age:

• unskilled employee over 18 years old receive 100% of the minimum wage,
• 16 year-old employees receive 75%, 17 year-olds 80%,
• skilled employees over 18 receive 120%.

The guaranteed minimum wage for an unqualified employee of 18 years or older is 1,801.49€ a month in February 2012.

Social security contributions and tax are deducted at source. They are calculated on the basis of a tax card compiled for each person at the beginning of each fiscal year.