The Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) has secured a four-year wage increase deal for the industry.

The deal was agreed with union Unite and will see wages rise by 10.25% up until 2020.

Key features of the agreement, which is to take effect from January 2017, includes:

• Wage increases of 2% in 2017, 2.5% in 2018, 2.75% in 2019 and 3% in 2020.

• Introduction of a new mileage allowance and mileage rate to replace travel allowance and travelling time (subject to HMRC acceptance)

• Periodic return fares on jobs over 100 and up to 200 miles to be paid every two weeks, to bring them in line with the other return fares

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• Annual holidays to increase to 23 days in 2019 and 24 days in 2020, with these additional days being paid at normal earnings level

• Employers to pay for CompEx courses where it is a specific requirement of the operative's role

• Encouragement of the recruitment of apprentices

ECA chief negotiator, Paul McNaughton, said the deal provides certainty at a time of "considerable uncertainty" in the wider economy.

"Having a four-year settlement gives the ECA, together with Unite, the opportunity to achieve agreement on wider long-term changes which are necessary to modernise the industry," he said.

Unite National Officer, Bernard McAulay, added: "Our members have voted to accept a four-year wages and conditions settlement that will deliver industrial relations stability in a very difficult economic climate.

"The electrical contracting industry is changing at a pace and now is the time for the parties to address the challenges of tomorrow, ensuring our members are at the forefront of installing the latest hi-tech equipment which is central to delivering the next generation of low carbon buildings in the UK."

(LM/CD)