Unions feel the width of narrow fabrics agreement

Across-the-board pay rises of 2.7% and extended sick pay arrangements are the features of a new deal negotiated by the Community, GMB and T&G unions with the British Narrow Fabrics Association.

The 2.7% increase, which is backdated to 31 October 2005, applies to pay (including piece rates, time rates and overtime rates) and sick pay. The duration of paid sick leave has also increased: workers with five years' service can now receive up to 10 weeks' sick pay per year, at a rate of £41.02 per week plus statutory sick pay (SSP).

And those with at least ten years' service can receive sick pay for 15 weeks per year at the above rate, plus a further 15 weeks at the reduced rate of £19.95 per week.

Around 2,700 workers are covered by the agreement, which has increased the minimum earnings level for trainee/inexperienced workers to £4.41 per hour for those who are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW). Fully trained/experienced workers receive the NMW of £5.05 per hour.

Bas Morris, assistant general secretary of Community, said the negotiations had been difficult but the union was pleased with the outcome. There was a need to retain the existing workforce and to attract replacements for those retiring, he said, and the settlement was reasonable in the circumstances.