Campaigning trade body for Scotland’s electro-technical industry SELECT and trade union Unite the Union have agreed a new four year wage agreement for the electrical contracting industry in Scotland.

The unprecedented four year wage deal will come into force from January next year and included in the agreed measures are an increase in wages of 2% next year, 2.5% the following year, 2.75% in 2019 and 3% in 2020.

Among the other measures are the introduction of a new mileage rate and mileage allowance to replace travelling time and travelling allowance, as well as an increase in annual holidays to 23 days in 2019 and 24 days in 2020, with more apprentice recruitment also encouraged.

Alick Smith, Chief Negotiator at SELECT, said that he was very pleased with the results of the negotiations which will provide certainty at a time when the wider economy is facing a considerable period of uncertainty.

Smith added: “Having a four-year settlement gives SELECT, together with Unite, the opportunity to address broader issues and achieve agreement on long-term changes which are necessary to modernise the industry.”

Meanwhile, Bernard McAulay, Unite National Officer, said that its members have voted to accept a settlement for wage increases over the next four years and conditions in the settlement that will deliver stability in industrial relations during a particularly difficult economic climate.

McAulay added: “The electrical contracting industry is changing at a pace and now is the time for the parties to address the challenges of tomorrow, ensuring our members are at the forefront of installing the latest hi-tech equipment which is central to delivering the next generation of low carbon buildings in the UK.”

The agreement has been put in place for the 1,200 members of SELECT who account for about 90% of all of Scotland’s electrical installation work.