Paper workers win improved pay deal

National pay talks in the paper industry have resulted in a better pay settlement than was achieved last year, despite worsening trading conditions.

Hourly rates for day work rise by 2.65% to between £4.59 and £6.13 (depending on grade). There were also improvements in bereavement leave, time off for cancer screening, a revised equal opportunities clause, and agreement to recognise additional ad-hoc public holidays that might be announced by the government. The agreement came into effect on 7 February.

In negotiations with the GPMU print union, GMB and T&G general unions and technical union Amicus, the employers, represented by the Paper Federation of Great Britain, argued that despite some weakening in the Pound exchange rates were still handicapping exports and assisting imports from the rest of the European Union. Raw material costs, energy costs and increased National Insurance were some of the other factors cited by the employers in the negotiations.

The revised bereavement leave arrangements provide employees with up to three working days or shifts to deal with matters arising from the death of a member of his or her immediate family. This would include a parent, spouse, co-habiting partner or child. Pay is at the employee's basic rate (or its equivalent).

The revised equal opportunities clause commits the parties to the development of positive policies to promote equal opportunity in employment regardless of the workers' sex, sexual orientation, marital status, gender reassignment, disability, race or ethnic origin.