U.S. Mercer, a leading firm for personnel services, will carry out a survey on salaries and welfare in Vietnam in April.

This is the 12th year that Mercer has conducted this type of survey on the business environment of the country. This study’s goal is to help businesses in Vietnam improve their payment policies.

The first seminar, to introduce the survey will take place in Ho Chi Minh City on April 7, with another one to be held in Hanoi on April 8. This is meant to attract the participation of businesses across the nation this year.

Vietnam\'s salary survey 2010 was conducted with the participation of 253 companies working in various fields. The results show that pay was raised as an effect of economic recovery.

Last year, the average salary increase was 12.4%, which was up by 0.2% from the year before.

Two driving forces behind recent spiraling inflation have been the sharp rises in the prices of petroleum and electricity. But price hikes are widespread.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment said that, the first quarter’s consumer price index could rise by 6.1%, which would set a new record.

Many people are feeling the effects, as the cost of living is increasing at a faster rate than the average salary.