The acceptance follows the rejection of a previous offer by Amicus and GMB members working under the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) Corrugated Agreement. Amicus assistant general secretary, Tony Burke, said he hoped this would help to "stabilise the industry".

"The deal is ahead of inflation. The details of the deal were explained to members and union reps by our local full-time officers, which is why there was a good ballot return," said Burke.

The offer increases the minimum earnings level by 2.8%, from 221.63 per week to 229.11. Amicus members voted by more than two to one in favour of the new deal.

"We hope this will help to stabilise the industry," said Burke. "Which is facing consolidation of companies and other problems."

Of the 7,000 Amicus members working in the paper sector 4,400 are covered by the CPI Corrugated Agreement.