Overtime by workers in July fell for the first time in 11 months, down 0.8 percent from a year earlier, reflecting weakening corporate activity, government data released Tuesday showed.

Overtime hours in the medical and transport sectors declined, with a labor ministry official predicting workers are likely to do less extra work in the coming months as there are signs that some manufacturers have started struggling. Average overtime per person in July stood at 10.2 hours.

The overall monthly wage fell 1.2 percent from a year earlier to an average of ¥361,928, down for the third straight month, while the regular monthly base wage stayed at the same level as last month at ¥243,729, according to the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry.

The overall monthly wage decreased as special payments, including summer bonuses, dropped 4.3 percent from a year earlier to ¥99,926.