Scotland consults on 2.2% wage increase for farmworkers

Farmworkers in Scotland are likely to get a 2.2% pay rise from 1 April 2021.

The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB) has proposed that the minimum hourly rate for agricultural workers should rise from £8.72/hour to £8.91/hour.

This matches the planned rise in the National Living Wage (NLW) announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak late last year, and applies to all farmworkers other than those studying for an introductory qualification alongside their employment.

See also: Read more from Farmers Weekly about careers in the farming industry

Other changes proposed include a minimum hourly rate of £5.58 – up from £5.46 – for workers who are studying for an SCQF Level 4 or 5 or equivalent in Agriculture/Horticulture as part of their contract.

The additional sum payable to workers who hold an appropriate higher-level qualification will rise to £1.32/hour.

Overtime for workers during the first 26 weeks of employment will start after 48 hours worked in the week, at 1.5 times the agreed hourly rate.

Overtime for workers after 26 weeks continuous employment will start after 39 hours, at the 1.5 times the agreed hourly rate.

Those working with dogs should receive a weekly allowance of £6.57 for each working dog up to a maximum of four dogs.

It is proposed that the daily rate for accommodation off-set for accommodation provided by an employer (other than a house) will increase to £8.36.

The wages board has called for written representations on the proposals to be submitted by 27 January 2021.

The SAWB is due to meet again in February 2021, where it will consider any feedback and then agree a new Wages Order.