The claim reflects the issues raised with the union in our annual survey earlier this year.

In the claim we have reflected your views about the internal market (differentials), where large numbers of you were saying that as managers you felt you were inadequately rewarded in relation to those who you were managing or those who have fewer qualifications, or less experience and responsibility.

We also raised concerns about the external market as a result of comments from those of you who had been upset to see people appointed from outside the Company on starting rates of pay often significantly above those you received, despite them working alongside you.

We highlighted the importance of maintaining living standards at a time of increasing inflation.

Finally we positioned your concerns about the need for greater transparency about the market ranges you were compared with and the need for greater relevance in O2s published pay ranges.

These views have been reflected in members' feedback in our survey, through representatives and at meetings around the country.

Please let any colleagues who are not members of Prospect know how we are approaching these pay discussions and remind them that their engagement as members of the union is critical in helping us to ensure our approach is fully representative of professionals and managers throughout O2.

We will ballot members of the union in O2 before concluding any pay agreement and will keep you informed as the discussions progress. In the meantime if you have any questions about the pay negotiations or our approach please email [email protected]