The Agricultural Wages Board for Northern Ireland (AWB) has confirmed changes to pay for agricultural workers.
At a meeting of the AWB on Friday 10 March 2017, the Board increased minimum rates for agricultural workers across all grades by 1.75% from 1 April 2017. The new rates are:
Minimum rate, applicable for the first 40 weeks cumulative employment - £6.88 per hour
- Grade 2 - Standard worker - £7.17 per hour
- Grade 3 - Lead worker - £7.88 per hour
- Grade 4 - Craft Grade - £8.46 per hour
- Grade 5 - Supervisory Grade - £8.95 per hour
- Grade 6 - Farm Management Grade - £9.70 per hour
The operative date for the new rates is the first pay reference period following the 1 April 2017 and these are specified in the Board’s Order No 97. Copies of the Order will be available shortly.
The definitions for the grades and the qualifications required for each grade are available on the DAERA website or by contacting the Agricultural Wages Secretariat, Room 917, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3SB (Tel: 028 9052 4012).
Notes to editors:
- 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 Unite the Union, six members of the Ulster Farmers' Union, and three members appointed by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
- The variation to minimum pay rates for agricultural workers across all grades represents an increase of 1.75%.
- This Press Release is issued by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on behalf of the Agricultural Wages Board.
- All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or email DAERA Press Office. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.
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