The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) has agreed a two year pay deal following the successful conclusion of negotiations between the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and Unite the Union.

The deal involves variable wage rises for the standard wage rates averaging 2.5%, to come into effect from 30th June 2014, with a further set of rises averaging 3% to come into effect from 29th June 2015. In addition, it has been agreed that the annual holiday entitlement will increase by one day, as of 29th June 2015, from 21 days to 22 days, making a total of 30 days including public holidays.

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In recognition of the industry's need to attract and retain young talent, young adult operatives and all apprentices and trainees will benefit from a 3% rise in hourly wages as of 30th June 2014, followed by a further 3% rise in June 2015. Hourly skills rates, as set by Working Rule 1C, will also rise by 3% for each year of the deal.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: "This deal reflects the cautious optimism and the desire for long term stability now present in the industry. The construction sector is finally seeing consistent growth for the first time in five years. Yet, this growth is from a very low base and remains relatively constrained for many of our members."

(CD/MH)