SELECT and UNITE the Union have concluded a three-year deal for the SJIB National Working Rules covering years 2026, 2027 & 2028. More information can be found in the SJIB Circular 01 – SJIB Wages Promulgation for 2026, 2027 & 2028.
| Operative type | 4.85% Effective 03/01/2028 | 4.85% Effective 03/01/2028 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shop | Increase | Travel | Increase | |
| Technician | £23.29 | £1.07 | £26.18 | £1.21 |
| Approved Electrician | £20.41 | £0.94 | £23.23 | £1.07 |
| Electrician | £18.59 | £0.86 | £21.43 | £0.99 |
| Labourer | £14.35 | £0.66 | £17.20 | £0.80 |
| Adult trainees | 4.85% Effective 03/01/2028 | 4.85% Effective 03/01/2028 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shop | Increase | Travel | Increase | |
| Stage 1 | £14.35 | £0.66 | £17.20 | £0.80 |
| Stage 2 | £15.80 | £0.73 | £18.22 | £0.84 |
| Stage 3 | £17.66 | £0.82 | £20.36 | £0.94 |
| Apprentices | 3% Effective 03/01/2028 | 3% Effective 03/01/2028 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At Work | Increase | At College | Increase | |
| Stage 1 | £8.57 | £0.25 | £8.57 | £0.25 |
| Stage 2 | £11.13 | £0.32 | £11.13 | £0.32 |
| Stage 3 | £12.00 | £0.35 | £11.13 | £0.32 |
| Stage 3: FICA | £13.71 | £0.40 | £12.85 | £0.38 |
One rate of pay applies to all hours of work and off the job learning during Stage 1 and Stage 2.
A separate College rate continues to apply in Stage 3 and Stage 3:FICA.
Effective from 5 January 2026, Apprentices in their first year will be entitled to the higher of the National Apprentice rate or the applicable SJIB Apprentice rate.
Note: The SJIB Wage Rates for Apprentices are negotiated and agreed by the SJIB National Board. The SJIB Stage 1 Apprentice Rate (or National Apprentice Rate if this is higher) applies to all Apprentices for the first 12 months of their Apprenticeship. After the first 12 months, SJIB Stage Rates will apply unless the Apprentice is eligible for a higher National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage due to their age. The current age-based National Minimum Wage rates can be found at National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates – GOV.UK
FICA Eligibility
Apprentices become FICA eligible once:
- They have completed a minimum of 12 months in Stage 3.
- They have attended and completed the Inspection and Testing week at an approved centre (SVQ week).
- They have documented and completed site activities through the Site Activity Portfolio (SAP) or OneFile ePortfolio, and these have been signed off by a SECTT Training Officer.
- The Candidate Achievement Record (CAR) has been signed off.
- The employer has completed and returned the FICA Declaration to SECTT.
- The SJIB has notified the employer that the Apprentice has progressed from Stage 3 to Stage 3 FICA.
Lodging allowances & retention payments
Lodging Allowances & retention payments are reviewed yearly therefore subject to change. The following rates are effective from 05/01/2026:
| Rate per night | |
|---|---|
| Lodging Allowance | £53.09 |
| Lodging Retention | £17.46 |
| Weekend Retention | £53.09 |
Mileage allowance and mileage rate
The transport allowances below apply to Operatives, Adult Trainees and Apprentices, and have been effective since 06/01/2020
| Millage allowance (own transport) | Millage rate (transport provided) | |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15 miles | Nil | Nil |
| More than 15 miles | £0.22 | £0.12 |
| First call-out | £20.00 | £20.00 |
| Subsequent call-out, same rest period | £10.00 | £10.00 |
With effect from Monday, 2 January 2023, the calculation of the actual distance between the shop and the job will be by way of the fastest route using the RAC Route Planner.
Note: Mileage Allowance/Rate is payable to employees who are being paid Travel Rate and are travelling in their own time. Mileage Allowance is payable to Operatives and Apprentices who use their own transport from the Shop to their place of work and is free of tax. Mileage Rate is payable to Operatives and Apprentices where transport is provided, and this rate is subject to the appropriate rate of income tax. Please refer to the National Working Rules for taxation information.
Weekly Sick Pay in addition to SSP for Operatives & Adult Trainees
Effective from Monday, 3 January 2028, weekly sick pay in addition to SSP will increase as follows:
| Technician | Approved Electrician | Electrician | Labourer & Adult Trainee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1 and 2 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Weeks 3 to 24 | £220.00 | £210.00 | £200.00 | £190.00 |
| Weeks 25 to 52 | £110.00 | £105.00 | £100.00 | £95.00 |
Effective from Monday 6 January 2025, after eight weeks of continuous sickness absence, payment of waiting days 8-14 (i.e. the second week of the sickness absence claim) will be made retrospectively.
There will be no payment for days 1-7 (i.e. the first week).
Weekly Sick Pay in addition to SSP for Apprentices
| Apprentices | |
|---|---|
| The first three days | Nil |
| Thereafter to week 12 | £15.00 |
Note: Apprentice Sick Pay is payable at the appropriate rate for an aggregate period of 12 weeks in any consecutive 12 months.
Welfare Benefits
The Welfare Benefits for 2028 are:
| Benefits 2028 | Operatives & Adult Trainees | Apprentices |
|---|---|---|
| Death Benefit | £40,000 | £10,000 |
| Accidental Death Benefit (On-Site) | £70,000 | £25,000 |
| Total Accidental Death Benefit (On-Site) | £110,000 (£40,000 + £70,000) | £35,000 (£10,000 + £25,000) |
| Permanent and Total Disability Benefit | Up to £50,000 | Up to £10,000 |
| Accidental Dismemberment Benefit | £4,000 | £2,000 |