Paper workers get improved conditions

Paper manufacturing companies are to give new fathers 10 days’ paternity leave on full pay, under a new national agreement on non-pay issues reached by the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) and the Amicus section of general union Unite.

The deal, which will benefit 3,000 workers and was reached after 18 months of negotiation and consultation, will also raise the level of bereavement leave to five days on full pay. Other features include industry-wide arrangements on sick pay and the use of temporary and agency workers, and a model agreement on information and consultation.

Unite members have backed the deal by a massive majority.