As of Wednesday 1 April, changes to the minimum wage of farm workers will come into effect
With changes to the Wages Order coming in from tomorrow (1 April), NFU Scotland is encouraging its members who will be affected by it to read over the new Order carefully and to direct any questions they have to the Union.
The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB) meet twice a year to set the minimum wages and other conditions for agricultural workers in Scotland.
From 1 April onwards, the minimum hourly wage for any farm worker will rise by 51 pence per hour, to £8.72. This is equal to the UK Government’s 2020 National Living Wage hourly rate.
Apprentices who are on a Level 4 or 5 Modern Apprenticeship will also see a rise in their hourly rate to £5.46, an increase of 16 pence per hour.
Further changes include an increase to the dog allowance, additional sum, and minimum hourly overtime rate. There is also an increase to the accommodation offset rate for accommodation other than a house.
Details of these changes to the Wages Order can be found in the latest Business Guide Update from NFU Scotland at https://www.nfus.org.uk/nfuscontent/business-guides/17561/agricultural-wages-in-scotland-rates-that-will-apply-from-1-april-2020. If you have any queries about what the new Wages Order may mean for your business and staff, there is support available. Queries should be directed to the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board Helpline on 0300 244 9749; alternatively members can contact the Union or use their member benefits to speak with specialist professional services, such as the free legal helpline or HR services.
Scott Walker, NFU Scotland Chief Executive and a member on the SAWB, said: “With the crisis that we are living through just now having good skilled people working on the farms across Scotland has never been more important. We are reminding the industry that from 1 April a new minimum rate of pay for agricultural workers comes into effect.
“The Government has increased the national living wage and the Wages Board have agreed the headline minimum rate of pay for agricultural workers will be in line with this rate at £8.72 per hour. For the answer to any questions on the terms and conditions for agricultural worker, the Union and Scottish Government SAWB helpline is here to support you.”
