The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) has agreed a 2% pay increase, following the successful conclusion of negotiations.
The rise will be effective across the board except for the hourly rate for the Adult General Operative, which will increase by 3%. In addition, there will be improvements in the death benefit scheme, which rises to £25,000, and statutory sick pay is up to £119 per week. The changes will be take effect from 17 June.
Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), Brian Berry, said: 'Despite a continuing challenging market and bleak outlook for some time to come, we are pleased to have been able to reach this agreement with Unite... This settlement reflects employers' determination to preserve jobs while delivering an equable pay increase to hard-working employees even during difficult times.'
John Allott, Unite the Union's National Construction Officer, said: 'We welcome the FMB's increase and commitment to the agreement and direct employment. The higher increase to the lower pay was needed, as many operatives are struggling to pay rising food and energy bills.'
