The wage price index lifts to 3.16 per cent annually

Sky News Business Editor Ross Greenwood says there are signs that wages are taking off but still nowhere near as quickly as inflation.

“The Bureau of Statistics today said the annual wage price index rose from 2.63 to 3.13 per cent between the June and September quarters,” Mr Greenwood said.

“That's the fastest wages growth in 10 and a half years, according to CommSec.

“Among the industries with the fastest annual wages growth are retail, up 4.23 per cent, rental hiring and real estate up 4.02 per cent and manufacturing up 3.64 per cent.”