The 280 sparks will see their holiday pay increase from next year following a campaign by Unite.

The construction union is now calling on all contractors to follow-suit and boost holiday pay rates “in the spirit” of the Joint Industry Board (JIB) agreement.

Balfour electricians currently receive full holiday pay, which is based on average pay for 20 days of annual leave, with the remaining leave (up to 12 days a year) paid at basic pay rates.

In most cases, this results in workers receiving a far lower level of pay for holidays paid at basic pay rates. They will now receive 32 full days holiday pay  from January 23.

In addition the 280 workers who will benefit from this change will also each receive an additional payment of £250 this year.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an excellent result for Unite’s construction members at Balfour Beatty. Unite is now entirely committed to improving the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and this agreement demonstrates that this approach is bearing fruit.”

Unite national officer Jason Poulter said: “This was a very important agreement and has settled a longstanding grievance for electricians employed by Balfour Beatty.

“Unite will now be working to ensure that other electrical contractors take action and begin paying workers their full holiday pay.”