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Have your say on Scotland’s new agricultural wage proposals
Scottish Agricultural Wages Board invite views on a major reform to wage structures from 2026
Scotland’s agricultural pay framework is entering a new phase, with the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB) inviting views on a major reform to wage structures from 2026.
The consultation follows several years of incremental increases designed to keep agricultural pay aligned with wider labour market trends.
SAWB has published a proposal to increase the minimum hourly wage for agricultural workers in Scotland, as part of its annual review of pay and conditions.
The Board proposes raising the single minimum hourly rate — which has long applied across agricultural employment in Scotland — by £0.50 to £12.71 per hour, effective from 1 April 2026, subject to consultation outcomes. The proposed rate aligns with the UK Government’s National Living Wage, maintaining parity with wider labour market standards while recognising the specific context of agricultural work.
Under the proposals, existing provisions would largely remain unchanged. Overtime would continue to be paid at 1.5 times the minimum rate (£19.07 per hour), while the accommodation offset for employer-provided housing (excluding a house) would be frozen at £10.66 per day. The dog allowance, paid where workers are required to use livestock-working dogs, would remain at £11.18 per dog per day, up to a maximum of four dogs.
Separate rates would continue to apply for apprentices and trainees, with workers holding SCQF Level 4 or 5 qualifications receiving an additional qualification allowance on top of the relevant base rate, reflecting skills development and progression within the sector.
SAWB is inviting written responses to the proposal until 4 March 2026, after which the Board will consider stakeholder feedback before deciding whether to implement a new Agricultural Wages Order. It is actively seeking feedback from employers, workers, representative bodies and rural organisations before finalising the 2026 Wages Order.
Stakeholder engagement is central to the SAWB’s decision‑making process, and the Board has emphasised the importance of hearing from those directly affected by the proposed changes.
Please send any comments on the above proposal in writing to the SAWB by 4 March 2026.
SAWB
Scottish Government
D Spur
Saughton House
Broomhouse Drive
Edinburgh
EH11 3XD
or email – SAWB@gov.scot
SAWB will meet again in March 2026 to consider any feedback received to the proposed increases. Following discussion and if appropriate, SAWB members will then agree a Wages Order that will come into effect from 1 April 2026.
The Scottish Agricultural Wage Board (SAWB) is an executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) established under the Agricultural Wage (Scotland) Act 1949. The Board exists to set minimum rates of pay and other conditions of service for agricultural workers in Scotland.
