All agricultural workers must be paid at least £8.21 per hour from April 2019.
New wage rates, announced yesterday by the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board, stipulate that all workers, irrespective of age and duties, must be paid at least £8.21 per hour.
This is equal to the UK Government’s National Living Wage.
Other changes, which take effect from April 1 2019, include an increase of 30p in the hourly rate to £5.30 for workers who undertake an SCQF Level 4 or 5 modern apprenticeship in agriculture or an equivalent qualification.
The board has also stipulated that the combined window for completion of both of these qualifications is now 18 months.
There will also be an increase of 5p in the additional sum of £1.25 per hour for workers who have an appropriate qualification, and an increase of 24p in the additional allowance of £6.24 per working dog up to a maximum of four dogs.
Lastly, there will be an increase in the daily rate paid for the off-set for accommodation other than a house that is equal to the rate under the UK Government’s National Living Wage of £7.55.