Age related pay differentials have now been abolished (with exception of grade 1) by the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB). Most minimum rates and allowances have increased by 3.3% from last year, for example a Grade 2 Standard Worker now gets £5.58 per hour compared to a previous rate of £5.40 per hour.
The AWB has agreed a restructuring of the current wages system which comes into force on October 1st 2005. The new grading structure comprises of six separate levels of pay relating to the level of skill (see notes to editors).
Rebecca Padfield, Farm Business Consultant of Strutt & Parker says, "This new structure will strengthen the link between minimum pay rates, experience and qualifications. It will offer farm workers a clear career ladder and will help to develop higher skill levels in farming and in addition provide better pay progression for both existing workers and new entrants."
Miss Padfield adds, "The new grading structure is certainly a positive step forward, however, the above inflation rate increases are still a concern when farming is suffering due to low commodity prices and rising fuel costs. Skilled agricultural workers continue to leave the industry in pursuit of either better rates of pay or lower working hours that other industries are able to offer."
It is likely that the Craft Grade qualifications will be reviewed in the future which will add further clarity and enable farm workers to qualify for higher grades. Other possible recommendations and suggestions that could be included in the 2006 proposals are the introduction of a skills passport and provisions for pensions.
