The GPMU and BPIF have agreed a 3.07% rise on the minimum wage for a class I employee.


This years National Agreement also featured an increase to the sick pay scheme from 60% to 75% of basic pay, a clause on non-discrimination on sexual orientation grounds, and an agreement to lobby government for a training levy.


The increase translates as 6.88 a week on the minimum class I wage. The new basic pay would stand at 230.44 a week if approved.


It is applied on a proportional basis to minimum class II and III wages, which would rise by 6.19 and 5.64 respectively.


Those not on the minimum would receive a 2.5% increase on their basic rate, compared to the 2.7% headline rate of inflation.


GPMU general secretary Tony Dubbins said: The money is not as high as wed have liked but given the falling inflation rate we feel we have achieved the best possible increase.


Story by John Davies