The Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) agreement has settled a new two year pay deal worth 6.2%, meaning that construction workers operating under the agreement are set for a boost in pay and allowance starting with next month. The agreement covers workers operating in civil engineering and the so-called biblical trades, such as carpenters, bricklayers and painters.

From Monday, the 25th of June, pay rates will increase by an inflation beating 3.2%. The pay increase will mean that 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. Pay rates will increase by a further 2.9% from Monday, the 24th of June 2019.

“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,” said Unite national officer for construction Jerry Swai.

“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,” he added.

Moreover, the travel allowance will increase in line with the percentage rise in pay rates, while the tax free fare allowance will increase in line with inflation. Industry sick pay is to be increased and extended as well. It will rise to £130 per week (paid in addition to statutory sick pay) an increase of 6.1% and it will now be paid for 13 weeks. There has also been a significant increase of 6.5% in the payment for first year apprentices who will receive £5.50 an hour.

“As further significant construction projects emerge over the next few years, this deal offers genuine hope of retaining the much needed skills for the industry, as well as attracting new apprentices, with the percentage uplift for apprentice rates further reinforcing the importance of this latter point,” said GMB national officer Ross Murdoch.