GOOD news from the Welsh Labour Government for farm workers in Wales who receive a 6% pay rise from February 26. The moves takes into account the lack of pay increase since 2012 so equates to 2% rise per year which will benefit around 13,000 farm workers in Wales.
The 6% pay increase will apply to grades 2-6, young workers of compulsory school age and apprentices.
Grade 1 workers have their hourly rates increased in line with the national minimum wage.
The announcement is the first pay level set by the Welsh Government since it won a Supreme Court battle for the right to set its own minimum rates after the UK Government scrapped the old Agricultural Wages Board for England and Wales.
A recent survey found that 30% of farm workers in England have since seen their pay fall and a similar proportion were now considering leaving the industry.
In Wales and in particular Pembrokeshire this news will address poverty and the skills shortage in the farming industry and hopefully will encourage youngsters into agriculture as a career for the future and for those who already work in farming to remain in the industry – in what is an important industry for both Wales and our county – making the future of farming both rewarding and better paid for future generations.
ROBIN HOWELLS
Hill Mountain
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