BUILDERS in Worcestershire and Herefordshire are celebrating after their union won them a record 23.3 per cent pay increase.

UCATT (Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians) won the increase for the 600,000 building workers in Britain following talks with the Construction Industry Joint Council representing building contractors.

Reflection

Trevor Vernon, regional secretary for UCATT, said the rise was a reflection of building workers' worth.

"I think people are beginning to realise that bricklayers, carpenters, scaffolders and all the other skills we have are more valuable to society than lawyers and bankers, estate agents and politicians."

Basic pay for craftsmen has risen from £7.30 an hour to £9 an hour.

"This is a great day," added Mr Vernon, following the announcement, last Thursday.

"We have won for building workers a record 23.3 per cent rise over the next three years and even that is only a safety net.

"Workers on many projects will be paid a great deal more."