Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism revised the labor rates of public construction works two months ahead of schedule, which is usually revised annually in April. The average rates of 50 occupations nationwide were increased 7.1% from fiscal 2013. Disaster-hit three prefectures in Tohoku region; Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima saw 8.4% rise. The new rates will be applied to contracts to be tendered in February and later.

The weighted average unit cost of all occupations is 16,190yen, which reaches the same level with that of FY2000. According to the ministry, the new rates are expected to raise the ceiling price of public works by 1-2%.(2014/01/31)