As previously reported, The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) has been in talks with the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) over pay since July. As a result, there was a threat of strike action in the heart of the West End.

However, today it has been announced that BECTU and SOLT have come to successful conclusions of negotiations on a new multi-year deal, conducted under the auspices of Acas yesterday.

The new agreement will run for 36 months from 1 October 2014, with new pay rates taking effect from 1 December 2014.

Both sides are said to be pleased to have made significant progress on staff employed in front of house, with an initial increase of £1 extra per hour to minimum rates (or 13.4% equivalent for those on rates including commission), and a total increase in hourly pay over the course of the agreement of 20.1%.

All other staff will receive an increase of 4.5% initially with a further 4% from April 2016.

Some changes to terms and conditions were agreed as part of the discussions. It has been said that both sides will be recommending this agreement to their respective memberships.