NFUS angered by farm wage increase

The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB) has proposed a 2.8 per cent increase, to £5.96 per hour, for those in their first 6 months of employment.

This compares to a national increase of 2.2 per cent, to £5.93 per hour.

And it has proposed a 3 per cent increase, to £6.51 per hour, for those employed in agriculture for more than 6 months. Again this figure outstrips the national minimum wage.

NFU Scotland’s policy director, Scott Walker said the SAWB proposals were out of touch with reality.

“In keeping with recent SAWB awards, employers within the Scottish agricultural sector could find themselves paying a higher minimum wage than that which has been agreed for every other industry. The widening of the gap between the Agricultural Minimum Wage and the National Minimum Wage is simply not justifiable,” he said.

The SAWB proposals will now be consulted with a view to their introduction in October this year.

“We will be encouraging employers to contact the SAWB direct if they have concerns over these suggested rates,” said Mr Walker.  

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