THE Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB) has taken the decision to delay its annual wage negotiations until later in the year in order to align it with the new timeframe for the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage changes.

This means no new Agricultural Wages Order will be published until April 1, 2017.

The SAWB normally meets in June each year to negotiate the minimum agricultural wage and other minimum terms of conditions to take effect from October 1. This date used to coincide with the annual change in the National Minimum Wage.

With the introduction of the National Living Wage, which is set from April 1 each year, the Government has decided that the National Minimum Wage will also be set from April 1 each year, bringing the timing of changes to both in to line.

However, while there have been no agricultural wage negotiations this year, employers and employees are reminded that the minimum rate of pay for agricultural workers cannot fall below either the National Minimum Wage or the National Living Wage.

The move prompted the usual questions about the Board's relevance. Katie Dickson, senior policy officer at Scottish Land & Estates and Scott Walker, chief executive at NFU Scotland said, in a joint statement: "While the Scottish Agricultural Wages board used to serve a valuable purpose, it is now no longer required."

Market round-up

Lawrie & Symington Ltd sold 151 store heifers in Lanark on Tuesday to a top of £1065 per head and 230.6p per kg to average £847.10 and 198.2p (-5p on the fortnight), while 186 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1095 and 234p to level at £879 and 204.4p (-3p). One-hundred-and-thirty-three store, dairy-bred bullocks sold to £920 and 152.4p to average £656.02 and 145.6p (-3.2p).

United Auctions had 8793 breeding sheep forward at their 2nd sale of Scotch Mule ewe lambs and gimmers at Stirling on Tuesday when ewe lambs sold to £155 and averaged £82.90 (+£8.38 on the year), while gimmers peaked at £180 and levelled at £135.33 (+£29.05). Blackface ewe lambs sold to £70 and averaged £50.28 (-16p), while Texel cross gimmers peaked at £195 and levelled at £122.62 (+£41.86).

C&D Auction Marts Ltd had 6985 store lambs forward in Longtown on Tuesday that included 2521 Cheviots and 1501 Blackfaces. Top prices and averages for selected breeds: Hill Cheviots to £63 and averaged £47.13 (-£7.33 on the week); North Country Cheviots £67 and £51.78 (-24p); Blackfaces £56.10 and £38.97 (-£3.79); Beltex £80 and £64.13 (-£2.97); Texels £71.50 and £58.05 (-16p); Suffolks £66 and £57.78 (-£2.92); Greyfaces £62 and £56.63 (+£3);