However, the recommendation is not as strong as 12-months ago, when members were asking for 5.1% in line with the RPI at the time.

Inflation this year is 3.6% and circulars have been sent to each chapel, advising them to request an equal pay increase.

The union and the BPIF last agreed a national figure in 2008, with the concept all but dead now. Unite still wants to bring a national agreement back to the table at some point in the future.

Unite national officer Steve Sibbald said: "Last year we were quite successful – we got around 130 settlements and we would hope to be able to achieve a similar number, if not better.

"Obviously, with the BPIF under a remit not to negotiate a national agreement, the RPI is the best way for us to go and it is nowhere near as high this year as it was last year.

"However, Unite still believes that the best way to go is a nationwide agreement between the union and the BPIF."