West End theatres on brink of deal to open on Sundays

Management and casts have been in negotiations for more than 16 months over the controversial plans.

Acting union Equity has now backed the scheme in return for an increase to a £600-a-week minimum wage for theatre workers.

The Society of London Theatre has been looking to introduce Sunday openings to make the most of the growing popularity of musicals and big productionsin London. It faced opposition-from Equity which wanted more money for its members to work on Sundays. The latest offer has now been recommended by the union with West End casts finishing voting on the proposed terms this week.

If accepted, the four-year deal will see a new pay system introduced. A minimum rate of £550 per week will be introduced into venues with 1,100 seats and above, £500 for theatres with 800 to 1,099 seats and £450 for venues with smaller capacity.

The payment would be supplemented by an extra £50 for performers who work on Sundays as part of their six-day, eight performances-a-week schedule.

The deal also applies to stage management and marks a rise in the basic pay for performers who were paid a minimum of £381 when the negotiations began between the two parties in early 2007. It now stands at £416.

Stephen Spence, Equity assistant general-secretary for theatre and variety told the Stage publication: "The new deal provides a different way of doing things in the West End and a new framework moving forward. Equity has recommended this deal to members because we feel they have done enough now not to have to go on strike, but at the end of the day, it's their call. We feel that this does represent a significant improvement at the bottom end."

He said those who are above the minimum level would have to negotiate - as they always have done - with their agents when new contracts come up to seek to maintain their position.

Chief executive of SOLT Richard Pulford said: "I think for every producer, this is a win-win deal. For Equity and us, it turned out to be a win-win deal. That, after all, is what you try to do in negotiation. You're not trying to beat people into submission, you're trying to find a position in which both sides can feel they have gained something of real value."

Mr Pulford said the deal would come into force as soon as possible.