The offer is based on grade four employees on continuous shifts receiving a weekly increase of 10.70. Rises for other grades are from 8.89 to 11.85.

The deal, agreed in November, equates to a 2.9% rise against inflation of 2.5%. It also includes a provision for local bargaining where it has been "custom and practice".

"It is ground-breaking," said Amicus assistant general secretary Tony Burke. "Employers accepted there was a need for our members to get an above inflation increase."

As well as Amicus, the deal includes GMB and TGWU members, all of whom are in discussions with the Confederation of Paper Industries to implement an agreement similar to the print industry's Partnership at Work.