Builders' wages rose by over 19 per cent last year, according to data from the Central Statistics Office. Average weekly earnings for all grades in construction rose from £308.76 to £367.80 in the year from December 1996 to December 1997. The hourly rate rose from £6.61 to £7.54.

However, skilled operatives saw even more extensive rises. Their weekly earnings rose 26.6 per cent from £358.19 to £453.44, with a 19.5 per cent rise in the hourly rate and a 5.9 per cent increase in the hours worked. According to the CSO, an increase in hours worked can lead to increased overtime payments, with an impact on the rate per hour.

It added that the main reason for the increases was the rates of pay agreed between the Construction Industry Federation and the unions, including special increases for electricians.