British Library agrees deal suspending performance pay

Following talks convened by the conciliation service ACAS, the 2000 pay deal for British Library (BL) staff was finally concluded in April, eight months after its due date. Performance pay was set aside and the money put into the pot for an improved offer with an overall value of 3.56%. BL said the suspension of performance pay as part of the package was 'for this year only', setting no precedents and as part of a conciliated deal.

The package provides a pay rise of at least 3.3% or £470, whichever is the greater, with pay band minima rising by 2.5% and maxima by 1%. An element of pay progression was retained, and from this April a new "temporary cover allowance" was introduced in place of temporary promotion and deputising payments, worth 8% of current salary.

Annual leave increases to 30 days after 10 years' service, completing a phased harmonisation programme agreed in 1997. Paid paternity leave was increased from five to six days. A new training credit scheme of up to £100 per person for an accredited course in any subject taken in the employee's own time has been set up.