Agricultural minimum wage

A single minimum hourly rate for all agricultural workers, irrespective of age and duties has been proposed by the Scottish Agricultural Wage Board (SAWB).

If approved, the minimum hourly rate would increase by 26p per hour to equal the UK Government’s National Living Wage of £7.50.

The proposed headline minimum rates are:

• The overtime rate for workers during the first 26 weeks of employment will start after 48 hours is worked in the week and at the rate of 1.5 times the agreed hourly rate.
• The overtime rate for all workers after 26 weeks continuous employment will start after 39 hours is worked at the rate of 1.5 times the agreed hourly rate.
• An hourly rate of £4.40 – an 38p per hour increase – for new workers who undertake a Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship in agriculture.
• An additional sum of £1.14 per hour for workers who have appropriate qualifications – an increase of 4p per hour.

Those working with dogs should receive an allowance of £5.60 per working dog up to a maximum of four dogs – an increase of 11p per dog. The daily rate for accommodation off-set for accommodation provided by an employer other than a house to increase 65p per day to £6.00.

Background

Written representations should be sent to The SAWB at the address detailed below by 31^st December 2016.

SAWB

Scottish Government

D Spur

Saughton House

Broomhouse Drive

Edinburgh

EH11 3XD

SAWB@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

SAWB will meet again on 9^th January 2017 to consider any written representations received to the proposed increases. Following discussion on the representations received and if appropriate, SAWB members will then agree a Wages Order that will come into effect as from 1^st April 2017.

The Scottish Agricultural Wage Board (SAWB) is an executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) established under the Agricultural Wage (Scotland) Act 1949. The Board exists to set minimum rates of pay and other conditions of service for agricultural workers in Scotland.