Written Statement from Lesley Griffiths MS, Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd:
I have signed the Agricultural Wages (Wales) Order 2023, which sets the minimum hourly wage for all agricultural, horticultural and agri-forestry workers in Wales, together with their minimum conditions of employment.
The rates are based on the advice of the independent Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales. The new Order will come into force on 1 April 2023 and:
- increases the minimum wage rates and allowances;
- includes agency workers and workers employed by gang masters who may not have a contract of service directly with the employer;
- amends the wording regarding annual leave year periods; and
- amends the calculation of holiday pay for workers with variable hours.
Welsh Government remains committed to the objectives of the Agricultural Sector (Wales) Act 2014. This important piece of legislation has a direct link to combating poverty in rural Wales and supporting the objectives of the Wellbeing for Future Generations Act.
Ensuring agricultural workers receive fair pay, which recognises the important role they play in the Welsh agricultural sector whilst contributing to the rural economy, and environment, is of paramount importance and a key goal of this Government. This Order bolsters my commitment to support the viability of the agricultural sector in Wales.
More detailed information and guidance is available on the Welsh Government website.
I am grateful to the Panel and its Chair, Dr Nerys Llewelyn Jones, for their considerable efforts in bringing the new Wages Order forward.