Scots demand 5% pay rise

SCOTLAND‘S FULL-TIME farm workers should be given a 5% pay rise from Jan 1, 2005, says the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board.

Following its meeting on Tuesday (Aug 17), the board proposed an increase to £5.25 an hour for those employed for more than 10 weeks.

For workers aged 19 and over employed for up to 10 weeks, the wages board proposed that the national minimum wage of £4.85 is applied from Oct 1, 2004.

That has caused concern among farmers‘ leaders.

According to NFU Scotland‘s John Smith, the financial implications are significant for farms relying on seasonal labour. 

“The concern within this deal is the change in rates for labour employed for less than 10 weeks.”