Wage increase reminder issued

From 1 April onwards the minimum hourly rate for all agricultural workers, irrespective of age and duties, will rise by 2.2 per cent to £8.91, employers have been reminded.

Issuing the reminder, NFU Scotland’s chief executive Scott Walker said that while many workers were paid above the minimum rate, the Government had increased the national living wage and the SAWB had agreed the headline minimum rate of pay for agricultural workers would be in line with this rate at £8.91 per hour:

“There are many different jobs in farming. With the entry level wage equal to the national living wage set by the UK Government, and there being many opportunities for skilled and experienced workers to earn an excellent salary, working in farming has never been more rewarding,” said Walker.

Under the new agreement workers who undertake an SCQF Level 4 or 5 or equivalent in Agriculture/horticulture will see a minimum hourly rate of £5.58 – an increase of 12 pence per hour (2.2 per cent) compared to the previous year.

Dog allowance will be £6.57 per week for each dog up to a maximum of four. This is an increase of 14 pence (2.2 per cent) compared to the previous year.

Further changes include an increase to additional sum and accommodation offset rate for accommodation other than a house.

No change has been made to the calculation for overtime – but due to the amendments to the base minimum rate, the minimum hourly overtime rate for all workers is £13.37. This is an increase of 29 pence compared to the previous year.