A change in the way terms and conditions for agricultural and horticultural workers in England are governed will come into force today following 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.
