Payment increase for agricultural workers announced

The Agricultural Wages Board Northern Ireland has announced proposed changes to the minimum rates of wages for agricultural workers.

Following a meeting on 14 January, the Board proposes to increase existing minimum rates for agricultural workers at Grade 2 and above by 3.8%. Please note that the lowest wages pay band known as the “Minimum Rate” has not been increased. The proposed new rates are:

Minimum Rate - Below compulsory school leaving age - £2.76; Aged between 16-17 - £3.40; Aged between 18-21 - £4.60; or Aged at 22 and over - £5.52

Grade 2 – Standard worker - Aged between 16-17 - £3.84 ; Aged between 18-21 -  £5.03  or Aged at 22 and over -£5.92

Grade 3 – Lead worker - Aged between 16-17 - £4.49 ; Aged between 18-21 - £5.89  or Aged at 22 and over - £6.50

Grade 4 – Craft Grade - Aged between 16-17 - £4.54  ; Aged between 18-21 - £5.94 ; or Aged at 22 and over £6.98

Grade 5 – Supervisory Grade - Aged between 16-17 - £4.80 ; Aged between 18-21 - £6.29 ; or Aged at 22 and over - £7.39

Grade 6 – Farm Management Grade - Aged between 16-17 - £5.18 ; Aged between 18-21 - £6.80 ; or Aged at 22 and over - £7.99

The Definitions for the grades and the qualifications required for each grade are available on the DARD website or 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).

The Board will meet again on 10 March 2008 to consider any objections to the proposals and may make an Order to give effect to the new rates which would come into operation on 7 April 2008.

Any objections to the above proposal should be sent by Registered Post to: The Secretary, Agricultural Wages Board, Room 916, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3SB, to arrive on or before 8 February 2008.

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 proposed variation to minimum pay rates for agricultural workers at Grade 2 and above represents an increase of 3.8%. No other changes to working conditions are proposed.
4. The lowest wages pay band known as the “Minimum Rate” has not been increased.
5. This Press Release is issued by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on behalf of the Agricultural Wages Board Northern Ireland.
6. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.