BESA’s head of employment affairs Paula Samuels
Worth nearly 10% over its lifetime, the deal includes a 3.7% increase for hourly paid, site-based operatives from Monday 6 October, with further 3% rises to follow in October 2026 and 2027. The increases apply to the industry’s hourly grade rates and allowances.
Wage negotiators from the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) confirmed that a “best and final offer” had been tabled by employers and subsequently accepted by union members following a ballot last month.
BESA said the negotiations had been “quite long and challenging”, not least because of the increase in employers National Insurance contributions since April and the impact this was already having on business costs.
“However, thanks to the efforts of the BESA Employment Policy Committee, the flexibility of the wider Association membership, and the constructive relationship we have with the union, we have managed to reach a fair and workable outcome for both employers and employees,” said BESA’s head of employment affairs Paula Samuels.
“Everyone involved in the negotiations was mindful of the additional pressures on employers during this very difficult trading period for our industry. We are grateful to our counterparts at Unite for showing consideration for employers’ concerns while, obviously, working hard to get the best possible outcome for their members,” she added.
“This agreement provides a measure of long-term security to employees while also allowing employers to plan with more confidence and continue to invest in recruitment and training for the long-term benefit of the whole sector and its clients.”