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Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB)
20/06/2008
The role of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB) comes under scrutiny today with the launch of a consultation into its future.
The agricultural industry and other interested parties will be asked if there is still the need for special provisions for agricultural workers given recent changes to employment law.
The future of SAWB itself will also be considered.
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment said:
"The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB) has performed a valuable function over the years in ensuring the particular needs of agricultural workers are taken into account.
"However, the time is now right to consider its role and structure following changes to employment law.
"The Scottish Government is also committed to simplifying the landscape of Scotland's public bodies and bringing together organisations with similar skills, expertise and processes.
"In undertaking this review we look forward to hearing the views of both workers and employers in the agricultural sector."
Responses to the consultation paper should be made to Rural Directorate by September 30, 2008.
Similar arrangements for determining minimum rates of pay and other conditions for agricultural workers exist in England and Wales, and Northern Ireland under different legislation.
As with other Non-Departmental Public Bodies, the SAWB is subject to review at least once every five years. The last review took place in 2004-05.
The consultation paper is available online and will be sent to all those expressing an interest.
Further copies can be obtained from: Louise Stewart, Room 259, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY - Tel: 0131 244 6394.