A new two-year pay deal has been reached for construction workers operating under the Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) agreement.

Under the deal, signed by unions Unite and GMB will see pay rates increase by 3.2% from Monday, 25 June, with a further rise of 2.9% from Monday, 24 June.

Overall, the deal will mean the minimum rate for craft workers (including carpenters, bricklayers and painters) is £12.31 an hour, with the general operative (labourer) minimum rate increasing to £9.26 an hour.

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In addition, further increases have been secured for industry sick pay, accommodation and travel allowances.

Unite national officer for construction, Jerry Swain, said: "This deal is a strong step in the right direction and will give construction workers a well-deserved pay increase.

"The increases in allowances and other benefits, underline the value of working under an industrial agreement and being part of collective bargaining arrangements.

"Over the next two years we will be working to further strengthen the agreement and ensure that it is brought into line with other agreements in all matters and is seen as relevant on major construction sites. Construction workers need to remain vigilant that employers actually pay the agreed pay rates. Too often in construction employers try to boost their profits by failing to pay agreed increases."

(LM/MH)