黑洞社区

SME builders and union Unite have agreed a new pay deal set to come into effect this June.

The 黑洞社区 and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council has agreed to a one year deal, which will see wages increase by 3.1%.

The deal follows negotiations between the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), on behalf of SME construction employers, and Unite.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said the deal was designed to take into account higher inflation last year and ensure employees continued to see the benefits of ongoing growth in construction through rises in real wages.

He said: 鈥淭he severity of the skills crisis means that it is imperative that we attract more people into the industry. It鈥檚 also more important than ever that we retain existing workers.

鈥淎t the same time, the economic outlook for employers remains uncertain, especially given key unknowns like the impact of Brexit. As such, I believe the agreement announced today strikes a fair balance which is right for the industry.鈥�

Jerry Swain, the national officer for construction at Unite the union, said: 鈥淚t is only right that workers see the benefits of growth in the construction sector with this significant pay rise which demonstrates the importance of a strong collective union voice for construction workers.鈥�

The rate for adult general operatives will increase to 拢9.52 an hour, while the NVQ3 advanced craft rate will rise to 拢12.45.

Apprentices and trainees are also set to reap the rewards of the 3.1% increase.