AWB decision is a positive signal for the future

In a positive move the representatives of agricultural employers and employees today reached an agreement to boost training and skills amongst agricultural workers.

The two sides, sitting on the Agricultural Wages Board, agreed to restructure the workers grading system. The new six-grade structure will create a wage differential between the previous standard and craft grades. The new Grade 3 will reward workers for developing higher skill levels.

NFU employment issue spokesman, Mr Bob Fiddaman, said: "I am delighted at the positive signals this grading agreement sends out to the industry. Both sides have shown that it is their intention to look to the future. It is in all our interests to attract more people into the industry, develop their skills and reward progress."

The two sides also came to a financial agreement on the rate of increase in the hourly rate for all six grades. The increase to £5.05 per hour in Grade 1 mirrors the increase in the national minimum wage (the age differentials in Grade 1 will remain). Grades 2, 4, 5 and 6 will increase by 3.4%, while grade 3 will be a 6% differential over Grade 2.

The sides failed to agree on the issue of additional days of paid holiday and a commitment was made in the board to review Sunday working next year.

Mr Fiddaman added: "While the financial settlement is at the top end of what the industry can realistically afford, I believe the overall package, with the addition of the new grading structure, will benefit the industry in the long run."