Some Irish electricians have resorted to providing their employers with one hour of free labour everyday in order to remain competitive, it has emerged.

The move is part of a 'job survival plan' backed by the National Electrical Contractors Ireland (NECI), which the group has described as "ingenious".

Electricians will now work around five hours unpaid every week, in a bid to support their employers during current industry difficulties.

Most workers will claim only for 34 hours per week, thus reducing labour costs.

It is hoped jobs will be saved as a result.

A spokesman for NECI said: "These electricians have clearly identified the seriousness of the situation and diagnosed a creative interim solution, to counteract the unsustainable labour costs as laid out in law by the electrical Registered Employment Agreement (REA)."

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NECI has claimed neither the state nor unions have done anything to sustain jobs in the sector.

"They have failed to listen to the needs of the industry and the clear distress calls from companies in survival mode. Now these 'patriotic' electricians have taken matters into their own hands, and have been brave enough to fight for their right to work," said the spokesman.

The electrical contracting industry is bound by its own REA.

This agreement does not have an 'inability to pay' clause therefore it does not recognise excessive labour costs. Furthermore, it does not have any mechanism within it to introduce, or implement any reduction on the hourly rate, on the contrary, it only allows for wage increases.

This agreement binds the 5,257 Irish registered electrical contractors to all its terms in relation to pay and conditions for electricians or apprentice electricians working in that industry.

Any Irish registered electrical contractor breaching this agreement or the terms within this agreement will see the contractor being brought before the Labour court and face fines penalties and interest.

Failure to pay these will result in the contractor being criminalised in the local District courts, as this is the law.

"NECI is of the opinion the Electrical Registered Employment Agreement should be cancelled," said an official.

"It is most undesirable to retain registration of this agreement, as it is detrimental to both employment and competitiveness, within the industry."

NECI commended electricians for their loyalty and commitment to their employers and their trade, by adopting this latest approach.

(PR/JM)