The new national pay rates have been released for employees in the motor industry.

The new rates, recently agreed by the sector’s pay regulator, the National Joint Council for the automotive retail industry, were negotiated between employers and the trade unions. They will take effect from the beginning of the first full pay week in January 2006.

“The new national pay rates for employees in the retail motor industry recognise difficult market conditions but still keep sensible differentials following the significant increases to the National Minimum Wage in October,” said Nick Jones, human resources director at the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF).

Adult employees % increase new hourly rate

Workshop Grade A 2.9% £6.03

Workshop Grade B 2.9% £5.63

Workshop Grade C 3.6% £5.25

Workshop Grade D 2% £5.15

Workshop Grade E 0% £5.05

Petrol Forecourt P1 0% £5.05

Petrol Forecourt P2 2% £5.15

Petrol Forecourt P3 3.4% £5.25

This year's resolution also sees wage increases for apprentices and other trainees. The age pay scale for indentured apprentices has been removed and there are now two pay scales to use for people training to become skilled workshop employees, depending on whether they are employed on a modern apprenticeship scheme or in another capacity.

Unindentured junior employees will also receive a boost to their pay packets.

“This is a good settlement with overall percentage increases slightly lower than last year but still in line with inflation,” said Jones.