Electricians across the country are being rewarded for their specialist skills as the industry has received an increase in wages by more than 10%. Not only has this already been put into place last year, but wages will continue to rise for the near future too! This may be a strategy to increase the amount of electricians on site as the UK skills shortage continues to push for electrical courses like those at Able Skills.
Construction Enquirer reported wages had increased by 2% in 2017 with a further 2.5% this year. Figures state that the agreement made between the Trade Union Unite and Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) will then see wages for electricians increase again by 2.75% in 2019 followed by 3% in 2020.
The ECA chief negotiator, Paul McNaughton commented on such great news for electricians country wide as he said he was ‘pleased with the outcome of the negotiations’ as such a deal is ‘all the more welcomed as it provided certainty at a time of considerable uncertainty in the wider economy’.
With concerns after leaving the EU, experts within the industry can agree on the demand for electricians for years to come. As technology is a main focus in todays world, it is through electrical courses that the workers within the trade will be able to offer such unique skills.
It is important to recognise the direction in which the world is going in order for electricians to remain relevant. Paul McNaughton had a lot to say on this agreement stating, ‘Having a four year settlement gives the ECA, together with Unite, the opportunity to achieve agreement on wider long term changes which are necessary to modernise the industry’.
After hearing such positive words of an increase in wages from the ECA, the Unite National Officer, Bernard McAulay had his say too commenting, ‘Our members have voted to accept a four year wages and conditions settlement that will deliver industrial relations stability in a very difficult economic climate’.
This is excellent news for anyone, not only already working within the electrical industry, but a great confidence boost for those studying electrical courses now. If you are considering a career in this industry, view our electrical courses here.