Three-year deal in heating and ventilation

Workers covered by the Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association (HVCA) national agreement have overwhelmingly approved a new three-year pay deal negotiated by manufacturing and skilled union Amicus.

The new agreement, which will take effect from 6 November, will initially increase the hourly rate for operatives by 3.5% to £10.35. In September 2007 a further 3.5% increase will bring the rate to £10.73, to be followed by a final 4% rise to £11.16 in October.

Sickness and accident benefits, overtime premium payments and responsibility and daily travelling allowances will increase by the same percentages at each stage, and the level of lodging allowance is also to be improved.

Further discussions will be held on tea breaks and the industry's use of agency labour.

In an Amicus ballot earlier this month, the deal was approved by almost 90% of those voting.