The union's claim is for a significant increase in the 1 June 2014 pay bill for the Reward Framework, taking account of inflation as measured by the Retail Prices Index (which in February stood at 2.7%). In addition we have claimed for increases in pay ranges, increases in shift and on-call allowances in line with the movement in the 1 June 2014 pay budget increase, an increase to the cash alternative to a BB2/3 car, and a change to the way overtime is calculated so that in future it is based on a 36 hour week in place of the current notional 41 hour week. We will also be seeking to continue with the existing practice of an equal pay review with effect from the January following the settlement (that is, January 2015).

We have had an initial offer from the company, of a budget increase of 2%, which we have rejected. We will be holding further discussions next week.

If we get an acceptable offer from BT, we will ballot members in the usual way on the terms of that offer.