Construction union UCATT have succeeded in winning jobs back for five young workers employed by Mitie Property Services.

The workers who are carpenters and plasters all successfully completed apprenticeships with Mitie in July 2007 and were given a further 12-month temporary contract. During this time they were due to receive further training. However the training did not materialise and Mitie decided to terminate their contracts in July 2008, arguing the workers were not sufficiently qualified.

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UCATT took the matter to an Employment Tribunal, which led to the intervention of ACAS. Following detailed negotiations UCATT won the argument for the workers reinstatement. They have now been offered a contract of employment and a £6,000 pay increase compared to their previous earnings.

The five workers all returned to work last week.

Steve Murphy, Regional Secretary for UCATT's Midlands Region, said: "This case demonstrates to young workers the clear advantages of joining a union. I would like to recognise the hard work of UCATT's shop steward at Mitie Property Services, who has assisted these workers all the way through their battle for reinstatement and fair pay."

Mitie Property Services operates the maintenance and repairs services for Birmingham City Council's housing stock.

(CD/JM)