After five months of intensive negotiations a new agreement in the social work sector is being recommended by trade unions to their members. The agreement runs from 1 November 2007 to 1 March 2010 and will include two main pay increases of 3% from 1 March 2008 and 2.5% from 1 March 2009. A change in the pay structure will also mean that many workers covered by the agreement will get a 0.5% increase from 1 January 2009. There will be a €125 lump sum payment in February 2010. The agreement includes changes to working hours arrangements for older workers. Those aged 58 can reduce their hours by 10% with a 5% cut in pay while those aged 59 can reduce their hours by 20% with a 7.5% reduction in salary. Those aged 61½ can also reduce their hours by 20% but with no reduction in pay.
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Unions recommend new collective agreement in social work sector
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