Minimum wage increase for agricultural workers announced

The “Grade 1 Minimum Rate” of wages for local agricultural workers increases from 1 October 2010.

The pay increase has been agreed by the Agricultural Wages Board for Northern Ireland and applies to Grade 1 workers only. The rate for Grade 1 increases from £5.90 per hour to £5.93 per hour.

The minimum rates of pay for Grade 2 – Grade 6 agricultural workers remain unchanged.

Information on Agricultural Wages is available on the DARD website. Alternatively, information can also be obtained by contacting the Agricultural Wages Secretariat, Room 910, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3SB (Tel: 028 9052 0813 or Fax: 028 9052 4266).

Notes to editors:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The increase to the Grade 1 minimum rates of pay for those aged 16 and over is detailed in the National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) Regulations 2010. The minimum rates of wages payable to Grade 2 – Grade 6 agricultural workers remain unchanged.
4. This Press Release is issued by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on behalf of the Agricultural Wages Board.
5. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.