SAWB pay claim 'out of tune' with economic climate

A DECISION late last week by the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board to propose a 2.8 per cent to 3 per cent increase in farm workers' wages has been met by disappointment by NFU Scotland. Its policy director, Scott Walker, described the proposal as further proof that the Wages Board was not in tune with the current economic climate.

"As the economy seeks to recover from its recession, pay settlements elsewhere hover between a wage freeze or possible cuts. With these proposals, the SAWB has shown itself to be out of touch with reality."

The proposal is for a 2.8 per cent increase in the minimum wage rate for those in their first 26 weeks of employment. Those in this category would see wages rise to 5.96 per hour. A 3 per cent increase is being proposed for those employed in agriculture for more than 26 weeks. Their 6.51 per hour is, NFUS claims, substantially above what is being agreed elsewhere.

Of particular concern to the union is the effect the proposed rise will have on the soft fruit and field vegetable sectors, both of which rely on unskilled labour to harvest the crops.

Walker urged growers to contact the wages board to express their views on the suggested pay increases, which if approved will come into play in October.