WITH CHANGES to the Wages Order effective from April 1, NFU Scotland is encouraging affected members to read over the new Order and direct any questions they have to the union.

The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board has decided that, from April 1, the minimum hourly rate for all agricultural workers, irrespective of age and duties, will be £8.91. This is an increase of 19 pence per hour (2.2%) and is equal to the UK Government’s 2021 National Living Wage hourly rate.

Workers who undertake an SCQF Level 4 or 5 or equivalent in Agriculture/Horticulture will see a minimum hourly rate of £5.58 – an increase of 12 pence per hour (2.2%) compared to the previous year.

The dog allowance will be £6.57 per week for each dog up to a maximum of four. This is an increase of 14 pence (2.2%) compared to the previous year. Further changes include an increase to additional sum and accommodation offset rate for accommodation other than a house.

No change has been made to the calculation for overtime. Due to the amendments to the base minimum rate, the minimum hourly overtime rate for all workers is £13.37. This is an increase of 29 pence compared to the previous year.

Details of these changes to the Wages Order can be found in the latest Business Guide Update from NFU Scotland at https://www.nfus.org.uk/nfuscontent/business-guides/17687/agricultural-wages-in-scotland-rates-that-will-apply-from-1-april-2021.

If you have any queries about what the new Wages Order may mean for your business and staff, there is support available via the SAWB Helpline on 0300 244 9749; alternatively, NFUS members can contact the union.

NFUS chief executive Scott Walker said: “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 £8.91 per hour.”

“There are many different jobs in farming. With the entry level wage equal to the national living wage set by the UK Government, and there being many opportunities for skilled and experienced workers to earn an excellent salary, working in farming has never been more rewarding.”