The Scottish Agricultural Wage Board is proposing that farm workers get paid the UK national living wage of £7.85/hour irrespective of age and duties.

Currently the national living wage does not kick in until employees are over 25. The new proposals would only see those going through apprenticeships receive less than the living wage, with those workers getting a £5/hour rate.

NFU Scotland chief executive Scott Walker said: “With a single rate of pay for all Scottish agricultural workers – regardless of age – this will mean that for those under the age of 25, the minimum rate of pay in agriculture will be significantly higher than in any other industry.

“This commitment to a higher single rate of pay in Scotland for workers under 25 means we will be operating to a higher cost base than elsewhere in the UK. I encourage all farms in Scotland to write to the Wages Board and tell them what impact the Wages Order changes would have on their business.”

The Wages Board’s proposal also sees more qualified farm workers get a boost of £1.20 per hour. Farm workers with working dogs would see their allowance rise to £6/dog to a maximum of four dogs.

The Wages Board will meet on 17 January 2018 to consider any the consultation. If passed, then changes would come into effect from April 2018.