The pack has been created in response to the abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board for England and Wales and the Agricultural Wages Order.

It contains a comprehensive breakdown of the complex issues and offers practical guidance and information on how employers have to deal with both new and existing staff and other employment related matters.

In particular, employers should be aware that the terms of the Order will still apply to existing workers even after 1 October 2013. The NFU strongly recommends employers take legal advice before they make changes to existing workers’ terms and conditions and when taking on new ones.

High on the list of priorities should be to ensure businesses are not breaching the Agricultural Wages Order up until 30 September, which could see claimants recouping for underpayments for up to six years of payments from the date of the breach if farmers are not compliant.

NFU chief economist Phil Bicknell said: “NFU Farmer and Grower members should make sure they get hold of the information pack and read through to ensure their businesses are not in breach of any regulations.

“It is all too easy when running a business to overlook updates in legislation and changes in practice, but the penalties for doing so can be severe.

“The AWB was an outdated board and its abolition brings farming in line with the other major industries in the country. We are urging members to make sure they are aware of the implications of the changes and the flexibility they bring to businesses, which this pack provides, as it applies to all agricultural and horticultural businesses and will assist them in the smooth and effective running of their business.”

The NFU has collaborated with other organisations such as NFU Mutual in relation to their agricultural sick pay policy, Acas who provide training and advice on better working relationships and the NFU Legal Panel Firms who will assist with meetings and provide independent advice on members’ specific circumstances.