JIB-PMES Confirms 3.4% Wage Rise for 2026 and 2027: What It Means for Plumbers, Pipefitters and Mechanical Trades
The Joint Industry Board for Plumbing Mechanical Engineering Services (JIB-PMES) has confirmed a two-year wage settlement covering 2026 and 2027. All operatives employed under the National Working Rule Agreement (NWRA) will receive a 3.4% increase to wages and allowances from 5 January 2026, followed by another 3.4% increase from 4 January 2027. The agreement applies to plumbers, pipefitters, gas engineers, HVAC operatives, and low-carbon heating specialists working under NWRA terms. The settlement represents a significant moderation from the high single-digit rises seen in 2024 (+7%) and 2025 (+5%), reflecting employer pressure for predictable cost modelling and a shift away from inflation-driven volatility.
