The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB) is an Executive Non-departmental Public Body established under the Agricultural Wages (Scotland) Act 1949 for the purpose of setting minimum wages and other conditions of service for agricultural workers.
Membership of the SAWB consists of 5 independent members who hear from representatives for employees and employers and each year to review changes to the existing Order. There are 5 representatives from NFU Scotland and 1 representative from Scottish Land & Estates on the employer’s side. The Board meet twice a year to make changes to the Agricultural Wages (Scotland) Order.
Agricultural Wages (Scotland) Order 2024
Summary
- The order contains detailed legal requirements for the calculation of minimum pay, holidays etc
- The Order will come into effect from 1 April 2025.
- There are no significant changes to the Order for 2025/2026.
- An increase of 6.7%, in line with the increase in National Living Wage, will be placed on all aspects of the Order.
Key Increases
- From April 1, 2025, the Agricultural Minimum Wage will be £12.21 for all agricultural employees. This is in-line with the increase in the National Living Wage.
- Overtime is required to be paid at time and a half, equalling £18.32 if the employee is paid the minimum wage.
- The apprentice rate has also increased 6.7% to £7.65.
- The dog allowance is set at £9.98 per dog, for up to 4 dogs.
- Accommodation offset for any accommodation other than a house will also increase to £10.66.
Click here to read the NFU Scotland business guide