New Minimum Wage Set For Agriculture

30-03-2007

At a meeting of the Northern Ireland Agricultural Wages Board on Monday 26 March 2007, the new grading system with new age bands was announced along with an additional Accommodation Offset and revised minimum rates of wages for agricultural workers. The operative date for these changes is 2 April 2007.

Workers entering the agricultural industry on or after 2 April 2007 start at the new "Minimum Rate"; those currently working within the industry move to the rate set out at Grade 2 "Standard Worker". No current agricultural worker should have their pay reduced by the change.

To advance to the next grade, a worker has to attain additional experience or qualifications.

The Board also introduced an additional 'Accommodation Offset' for agricultural workers on a contract of less than 52 weeks These workers are defined as "Temporary and Harvest Employees". The Accommodation Offset for "Temporary and Harvest Employees" is £29.05 per week.

The Agricultural Wages Board is constituted under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1977 and meets each year to consider changes to the rates of pay and related conditions for agricultural workers.

The Board comprises six members of the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers' Union, six members of the Ulster Farmers' Union, and three members appointed by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

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