Agricultural Workers – Get It Right

Agricultural workers in Wales are normally entitled to:

• Minimum rates of pay (which may be higher than the National Minimum Wage)
• Paid holiday
• Agricultural sick pay (paid at least the Agricultural Minimum Wage when off work sick. This includes any statutory sick pay they may be entitled to)
• Pay even if bad weather stops work
• Night work pay
• On-call allowance
• 30-minute rest breaks, if they are 18 or over and work more than 5.5 hours a day

The Agricultural Minimum Wage depends on the worker’s job grade and category as shown below.

Full-time workers

A worker must be paid the weekly rate, if their contract says they should work 39 hours a week (not including overtime). Otherwise, they must be paid the hourly rate.

Full-time and part-time flexible workers

Flexible workers must be paid at least the weekly rate if they are full-time, or at least the hourly rate if they are part-time.

 Apprentices

For years 3 and above, apprentices must receive at least the rate for Grade 2 workers.

If you require any more information on agricultural workers’ rights, please see the following link: https://www.gov.uk/agricultural-workers-rights/overview

Please note: This article is a commentary on general principles and should not be interpreted as advice for your specific situation.