Agreement has been reached by the HVCA and Amicus on a third three year pay deal for the sector.

The new Operative National Agreement includes increases in hourly rates of 3·5% from 6 November 2006; 3·5% from 3 September 2007; and 4% from 6 October 2008.

Corresponding increases have been agreed in overtime premium payments, daily travel allowances and weekly sickness and accident benefits, as well as an increase in lodging allowance. A commitment to further discussion has also been agreed in relation to tea breaks “in the light of current health and safety legislation”, and the growing use of labour agencies.

Peter Rimmer, HVCA head of employment affairs, said: “It is important, especially at a time when contractors are tendering for major contracts lasting years rather than months that they are able to calculate their labour costs over a similarly protracted period.”

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor