Agricultural Wages Board to reassess holiday pay ruling

The chairman of the Agricultural Wages Board for England and Wales has called a special meeting in a bid to resolve the controversy surrounding modifications to the holiday pay calculation.

The NFU has threatened legal action over the issue, because it claims a new calculation has been foisted on the industry which could add up to 10% to some employers’ wage bills (News, 15 September).

The union said it welcomed the chairman’s decision to reassess the circumstances under which the decision was taken. However, despite the meeting being called, it was still pursuing other avenues, including the possibility of a legal challenge.

But Chris Kaufman, secretary for agriculture at the Transport and General Workers Union, said that calling another meeting was irresponsible and made a mockery of the wage negotiations.

“This calls into question the whole negotiation process. The NFU is devaluing the system and is in danger of destabilising the industry,” said Mr Kaufman.

Bob Fiddaman, the leader of the employers’ side on the AWB, said the NFU was hopeful that the decision to calculate holiday pay on a 12-week average would be reversed.

“This decision to call a further meeting is a result of the continued protest by the NFU on this holiday pay calculation structure. It also raises the tempo in regards to the consideration of the AWB and its future,” added Mr Fiddaman.

The extraordinary meeting is due to take place on 13 October, but farmers are reminded that despite the latest developments the new wages order comes into effect on 1 October.

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