Welcoming the news that NG Bailey, one of the country's largest electrical construction companies, has pulled out of the grouping that is seeking to change terms of employment across the industry.

Unite’s general secretary, Len McCluskey, said: "The decision by NG Bailey to withdraw these controversial contracts and the threat of dismissal is extremely welcome. It is a further recognition that only consultation and negotiation can secure the stability of the industry and people’s livelihoods.

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"The construction industry is central to our national economic recovery, which is why Unite regards stable industrial relations across the sector as critical. We urge those employers who remain committed to imposing these inferior contracts to follow the lead of NG Bailey and Balfour Beatty and engage in meaningful dialogue.

"Unite is ready to talk with sector employers at any time about how we work together to secure people’s livelihoods and the stability of the industry."

NG Bailey is the second company in under a week to withdraw from BESNA – the new employment framework for the sector proposed by seven major companies that would result in reduced terms and conditions for the workers. Last Friday (17 February), construction giant Balfour Beatty Engineering Services announced that it was withdrawing.

Both BBES and NG Bailey have agreed to withdraw the BESNA contracts and will ensure that their employees can continue to work to the current working rule agreements.

(CD/GK)