3.5% in the box and packaging industry

Nationally agreed wage rates increased by 3.5% with effect from 1 August, with a corresponding increase in youth rates. Other items in the claim advanced by the unions (GPMU and GMB) including a reduction in the working week and extra holiday were not conceded but a draft agreement on the implementation of parental leave was put forward for consideration by the employers' side, the British Box & Packaging Association.

In its response to the unions' claim, the Association highlighted a fall in exports due mainly to the high value of the pound, the decline in manufacturing, concerns about low labour cost economies, high material costs, and customers seeking price reductions. An item in the claim concerning a voluntary procedure for dealing with recognition claims was deferred pending interpretation of the implications by the employers' side.

Box and packaging day work weekly rates

Grade 1 £179.30

Grade 2 £165.58

Grade 3 £158.90

Grade 4 £155.17

Age 17 £115.86

Age 16 £103.07