CHANGES to the minimum wage of farm workers came into effect on April 1.

The minimum hourly wage for any farm worker rises by 51 pence per hour, to £8.72. This is equal to the UK Government’s 2020 National Living Wage hourly rate.

Apprentices who are on a Level 4 or 5 Modern Apprenticeship will also see a rise in their hourly rate to £5.46, an increase of 16 pence per hour.

Further changes include an increase to the dog allowance, additional sum, and minimum hourly overtime rate. There is also an increase to the accommodation offset rate for accommodation other than a house.

NFUS chief executive Scott Walker, a member on the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board, said: “With the crisis that we are living through just now having good skilled people working on the farms across Scotland has never been more important.

“The Government has increased the national living wage and the Wages Board have agreed the headline minimum rate of pay for agricultural workers will be in line with this rate at £8.72 per hour. For the answer to any questions on the terms and conditions for agricultural worker, the union and Scottish Government SAWB helpline is here to support you.”

The SAWB helpline is on 0300 244 9749. The NFUS Business Guide Update is available at https://www.nfus.org.uk/nfuscontent/business-guides/17561/agricultural-wages-in-scotland-rates-that-will-apply-from-1-april-2020

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