§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity on what date she was informed of the proposed national increase of pay for clerical workers in the engineering industry; and what is the estimated percentage increase in rates, earnings and productivity arising from this settlement.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerDetails of the agreement between the Engineering Employers Federation and the unions representing clerical employees were notified to my Department on 1st April. The agreement provides for increases in minimum rates for adult men and women of 297W 18.7 per cent. and 23.5 per cent. respectively, and the effect on earnings is estimated to 4.7 per cent. (2..7 per cent. on an annual basis since the last increase). My Department is now assessing the settlement against the requirements of incomes policy.