Wage increase for agricultural workers

The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board has confirmed increases to the minimum hourly rate for agricultural workers and hourly rates of pay for agricultural apprentices from 1 October 2012.

The Board met on Wednesday 22 August to consider 10 written representations received against its initial proposals for change.

The Board, having carefully considered each representation received, agreed to confirm its proposals which were published in May of this year.

Details of the award are as follows:

• for workers in the first 26 weeks of employment a rate of not less than £6.22 per hour;

• for workers employed for more than 26 weeks a rate of not less than £6.86 per hour;

• an hourly rate of not less than £3.81 per hour for workers during the first 12 months of employment who undertake a Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship in Agriculture;

• the additional sum payable to workers who have appropriate qualifications will be £1.04 per hour;

• the dog allowance will also increase to £5.20 per week for each dog up to a maximum of 4.