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The Joint Secretaries of the Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) announced on Friday 4th March 2005 that they had reached agreement on substantial adjustments to wage rates following a detailed submission from the Union side.
The new basic hourly rates (based on a 39 hour week) and applying between Monday, 13 June 2005 and Sunday, 11 June 2006 will be:
- Craftworker £9.25 (previously £8.38)
- S/NVQ2 Qualified Operative £7.95 (previously £7.22)
- Adult General Operative £6.80 (previously £6.42)
The settlement also makes significant changes to skill rates and to daily fare allowances. The mileage banded travel allowance is replaced by a commitment to pay the full rate of pay for agreed travel time, one way. BATJIC also agreed a further reduction in the number of sickness and injury waiting days to one. There are further increases in pensions and sickness benefits.
Bob Blackman (the Union side Joint Secretary) said: "I am pleased that we have been able to reach a quick agreement that gives a substantial increase in pay to construction workers across the UK. In particular, as pay for a skilled craftworker is now over £360 per week, this sends out the clear signal that S/NVQ achievement will be rewarded with higher rates of pay."
Ian Davis (the Employers side Joint Secretary) said: "We are pleased to retain BATJIC's position as the leader in the development of terms and conditions in the construction industry. This settlement has been structured to reward training and the achievement of vital construction skills. We hope that will create a significant incentive for operatives to gain the qualifications that the industry so desperately needs."
"Economic growth has been strong, but recent figures suggest that the construction market may not grow so strongly in the near future as in the recent past. However, I am sure that the agreement will be acceptable to members across the country. As the new arrangements will not apply until Monday 13 June 2005, this gives time to prepare future estimates on a more certain cost basis."
Members can download the lastest BATJIC Rates by clicking here.
First posted: 16 March 2005. Last modified: 14 June 2005.
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