Fruity matter of pay rates angers MSP

A SUGGESTION that the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB ) be scrapped to help soft fruit growers dealing with millions of pounds of storm damage was rejected by the Scottish Government.

Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser pointed to the position in England where the equivalent board will be scrapped leaving the national minimum wage as the base rate of pay. With SAWB rates being above the national minimum rate, he claimed Scottish growers will be operating at a considerable disadvantage.

Last night a Scottish Government spokesperson said that it was the intention to review the SAWB as was promised in the manifesto.

"Clearly, however, the board's remit goes far wider than soft fruit pickers and its impact on all agricultural workers will have to be considered carefully before reaching any decision," he said.

"Abolition of the board would be a disproportionate response to the short-term problem faced by a small section of the industry."