31/08/2009

WELCOME GIVEN FOR MINIMUM WAGE FOR AGRICULTURAL APPRENTICES

A minimum wage for agricultural apprentices has been introduced for the first time in Scotland and has been welcomed by SNP MSP Christine Grahame.

In a bid to encourage more young people into the industry in the Scottish Borders and other rural areas, the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board has set the minimum hourly rate for apprentices at £3.50 per hour for the first 12 months of employment. To be eligible, workers must undertake to study a Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship in Agriculture.

Ms Grahame said:

“I welcome that as of 1st October, for the first time, agricultural apprentices in the Borders will have the security of a minimum wage rate. This measure, along with the other rises announced, will be of significant help at a time when we need to do all we can to attract and retain new entrants to the farming sector.

“Workers in other sectors have been entitled to the protection of a minimum wage for some time now. I’m pleased that this protection has now been extended to agricultural apprentices.

“Having new entrants who are encouraged to study is vital to our aims of having a healthy, well-managed rural economy and ensuring future food security in the long term. This will help to better support those who wish to begin a life in farming.”

Details of the other wage increases to take effect from October 1 are:
oworkers in the first 26 weeks of employment to receive a minimum rate of £5.80 per hour (an increase of 1.2 per cent)
ofor workers employed for more than 26 weeks a minimum of £6.32 per hour (an increase of 1.9 per cent)
oan additional £0.96 per hour payable to workers with appropriate qualifications
oan allowance of £4.80 per week for each dog up to a maximum of four.

The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board is an autonomous body and comprises 17 members: six representing the interests of employers nominated by the NFU Scotland and the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association; six representing the interests of workers nominated by the union, Unite; and five independent members appointed by Scottish Ministers, one of whom is designated Chair.

SNP It’s time.....