Maximus, the US company appointed by the previous government to assess benefit claimants’ fitness for work, was keen to ensure any offer would address the chronic recruitment and retention difficulties experienced by it and its predecessors.

The company undertook a review of market rates paid in the type of organisations it would recruit from. The deal provides significant increases across all the roles covered, and a 17% supplement for members in greater London.

Staff on salaries at or over the market rates outlined in the deal will not only be protected but will receive a 2% pay award from the implementation date of 1 March.

Management roles that do not match the market data are also being reviewed with the Prospect national secretary Geraldine O’Connell said: “In the 17 years that this service has been contracted out of the Department of Work and Pensions, this is the first time  that the union has been able to recommend a pay offer to members running important disability analysis work for the government.”

The offer is also the first step towards a more fundamental pay review, which will contribute to a pay system that recognises the skills and competences of the workforce.