Lowest paid workers will go from just above minimum wage to Real Living Wage

Unite, the UK’s leading union, has secured above RPI inflation pay rises for hundreds of Forestry Commission workers across the country.

Workers across a range of roles will receive pay rises of between 3.5 and 5.5 per cent – RPI inflation currently stands at 3.4 per cent.

Those on the lowest pay band, which is just above the minimum wage, will receive a 5.5 per cent pay rise taking them to the real living wage of £13.45 an hour.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This deal was achieved because Forestry Commission workers know the benefits of being unionised. Unite’s top priority is defending and improving our members’ jobs, pay and conditions.”

The deal maintains a 10 per cent pay differential between grades to deliver meaningful salary progression and includes a 5.4 per cent increase to London weighting and a 20 per cent increase to standard on call allowances.

Unite national officer Pat McIlvogue said: “This deal is a prime example of why workers who want better wages and working conditions should join Unite and get their colleagues to join too.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.