Changes Ahead after Wages Board Abolition
UK - Agricultural and horticultural workers in England will witness a change in the way terms and conditions are governed today (Tuesday, 1 October) after the abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) earlier this year.The NFU is keen to ensure as many farmers and growers are aware of the changes as possible.
NFU chief economist Phil Bicknell said: “This finally sees agriculture on par with other sectors of the economy when it comes to employment issues, as we move away from the restrictions of the Agricultural Wages Board.
“Farm employers will be free to engage new workers on terms and conditions that comply with wider employment legislation, rather than being bound by, what some would view, as a rigid framework imposed by the old agricultural wages legislation.
“For many in the industry, this will just be another working day, given the accrued rights of existing workers. Nonetheless the industry needs to be aware of the changes, and the NFU is committed to support members’ post-AWB.
“An Employer Information Pack is now available for NFU members, which combines an array of information relevant to farm employers, from Frequently Asked Questions to ‘how-to’ guidance.”
Register to receive the ‘Post-AWB Information Pack’ by clicking here or by contacting NFU CallFirst on 0870 845 8454.