Offshore oil and gas workers set to accept 7% pay increase

Construction workers in the offshore oil and gas industry are set to agree a 7% pay rise backdated to 1 April of this year. An offer from the Offshore Contractors Association (OCA) is being recommended for acceptance by their members by both the Amicus section of Unite and the GMB.

The deal provides for average hourly earnings of a tradesman to rise from £14.62 to £15.60. The proposals also include a guaranteed 28 days paid holiday by October of next year. From that date the maximum number of days worked offshore annually will be 154.

Bob Keiller, OCA chairman and chief executive of offshore contractor PSN, said: "Common sense has prevailed and we believe this agreement is a fair outcome for both parties."