BESNA - the Building Engineering Services National Agreement - has been abandoned.
In a joint statement with the Unite union, the HVCA confirmed: 'In consultation with the remaining companies and following discussions with Unite, it has been agreed that HVCA will withdraw its proposal for the Building Engineering Services National Agreement.

'As a result of today's decision by HVCA, Unite has agreed not to pursue further industrial action or protests against the BESNA companies.

'HVCA, supported by its member companies, will now engage in high-level talks with Unite within an agreed timeline, with the aim of creating new proposals and ensuring agreed terms are honoured.'

The move was inevitable after the agreement began to crumble following the withdrawal of three of the original eight parties to the agreement - MJN Colston, Balfour Beatty and, most recently, NG Bailey.

The other BESNA members were Crown House Technologies, Gratte Brothers, Shepherd Engineering Services, Spie Matthew Hall and T Clarke.