Clothing workers see earnings rise by 2.5%

A 2.5% increase in earnings for the clothing industry, agreed at the end of last year, came into force in January.

The negotiations, between the British Clothing Industry Association (BCIA) and the GMB general union, represent one of the biggest surviving industry agreements in the private sector.

A minimum weekly payment of £163.80 for all workers aged 18 and over (for 39 hours' attendance) is now payable. The agreement also sets a lower general minimum time rate of 391.4 pence per hour but, under the 2002 agreement, the differential between this and the minimum weekly payment is being eliminated, with a final increase due in October 2003.

The 2003 agreement also changes industry pay arrangements for young workers, a topical issue that is reflected in the way that the National Minimum Wage is defined.

The Clothing Industry agreement extends the rate applicable to 17 years and under 171/2 to cover 16 years and under 17, with the abolition of separate rates at this age. The new under-18 weekly minimum for a non-learner is £146.65, worth around 90% of the adult rate, which applies at 18 rather than 22 as is the case for National Minimum Wage arrangements.

There are weekly 'learner' rates of £143.47 at age 171/2 to 18, and £127.56 at 16 to under 171/2. Similar arrangements apply to minimum hourly rates.

The new 'piecework basis time rate' for the dressmaking, women's light clothing and rubber-proofed garment sectors of the industry is 369.75p per hour.