The Communications Workers' Union (CWU) is closer to settling this year's pay dispute with BT. Union bosses are recommending workers accept BT's 3.5 per cent pay increase to be backdated to 1 April.

Throughout the pay talks - described by the CWU as "long and tough negotiations" - BT had offered a below-inflation deal which would, in effect, have led to a pay-cut for workers. The CWU, which represents around 54,000 of BT's 100,000-odd workers, described BT's early offers as "derisory" and warned that the mood among members was "pretty hostile".

Workers will be balloted on the pay offer later this month.

Originally, BT staff had demanded an eight per cent increase in wages to repay them for their "loyalty, hard work and co-operation". ®

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Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner (that BT wages get me down)