More than 70% of workers sign up to BESNA

More than 4,200 electricians have signed up to the controversial Building and Engineering Services National Agreement (BESNA).

Around 6,000 workers are being asked to sign up to BESNA before the first week of April or face redundancy.

Several protests are scheduled to take place this week over the proposals targeting the seven major electrical contractors behind BESNA.

These are Balfour Beatty Engineering Services (BBES), Crown House, SPIE Matthew Hall, T Clarke, Gratte Brothers, Shepherd Engineering Services and NG Bailey.

Union Unite has vowed to ballot all the contractors for strike action before April – BBES is currently being balloted with a result expected on the 2^nd February.

The Heating and Ventilating Contractors Association (HVCA) is representing the seven contractors.

Blane Judd, the HVCA’s chief executive, said: “We’re extremely encouraged by this early feedback.

“I’ve spoken with the companies and all of them are confident that more positive responses will follow as people review the facts about BESNA and what it means for them.

“This agreement is vital for the future of our industry; it will help to secure jobs and win new contracts.”