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2 Sisters staff bag pay rise in two-year deal amid plans for new jobs

A union has negotiated a pay increase for all workers at chicken processing group 2 Sisters working in its West Midlands factories that opens the way for 250 new jobs to be created.

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The 2 Sisters factory at West Bromwich

It follows extensive negotiations between Unite and management.

The two-year deal, announced by Unite, involves a 4.6 per cent increase backdated to April this year with a further 4.7 per cent increase to come into effect next April.

The deal mainly covers the 2 Sisters principal sites in West Bromwich (site D) and Wolverhampton (site E) and covers 1,500 workers.

According to Unite the deal preserves all the existing terms, conditions and working patterns for the current morning and afternoon shifts. The deal will also see the recruitment of 250 staff on a covering shift, which will allow 2 Sisters to undertake seven-day working.

Unite food drink and agriculture officer Joe Clarke said: “This is an excellent deal for our members. It provides a pay increase well above inflation while maintaining terms and conditions.

“Since the crisis in 2 Sisters last year we have been in extensive discussions to ensure the viability of the company’s sites in the Midlands.

“This deal maintains our members existing Monday to Friday working arrangements and preserves their work life balance. The deal also creates new jobs with the introduction of a new shift pattern over four days to give the company a seven-day operation.”

Unite regional officer Andy Hall said: “The negotiations have been long and arduous but they demonstrate that Unite and Two Sisters can work together. It is paramount that this agreement is developed and there is a better industrial relationship in the future.

“The deal gives stability to our members and ensures that their work life balance has not been affected.”

In a statement responding to Unite's announcement, 2 Sisters Food Group said: "We made a commitment to work with Unite with regard to flexibility around production, and recognising and rewarding our colleagues. We believe our agreement reflects that commitment at our West Midlands sites."​

In September last year an undercover investigation claimed slaughter dates were being changed to extend the shelf-life of meat at its West Bromwich plant and raw chicken was being put back on the production line after being dropped on the floor.

The issue prompted a hearing, and subsequent report, by the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee and an investigation by the Food Standards Agency.