Pay increase for agricultural workers from April 2025

Proposed increases to the minimum wage rates for agricultural workers from 1 April 2025 have been announced by the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB).

The AWB for Northern Ireland has proposed to increase existing minimum wage rates for agricultural workers for all grades from 1 April 2025.

New proposed minimum wage rates for agricultural workers

Grade 1 - Minimum rate

Applicable for the first 40 weeks cumulative employment:

• Under 18 years old - £8.00 per hour
• 18-20 years old - £10.00 per hour
• Over 21 years old - £12.21 per hour

Grade 2 - Standard worker

• £12.50 per hour

Grade 3 - Lead worker

• £12.73 per hour

Grade 4 - Craft Grade

• £12.98 per hour

Grade 5 - Supervisory Grade

• £13.37 per hour

Grade 6 - Farm Management Grade

• £13.90 per hour

Should the National Minimum Wage or the National Living Wage, as applicable, become higher than the hourly rates set out above then the hourly or other minimum rate will default to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, whichever applies.

Accommodation offset

The accommodation offset has been increased to £54.71 per week.

The AWB will meet again on 7 March 2025 to consider any objections to the proposals. The board will make an Order to give effect to the new rates and other amendments which would come into operation on 1 April 2025.

Pay increase for agricultural workers.

First published 11 February 2025