Pay increase for agricultural workers 19/03/26
Date published:
The Agricultural Wages Board for Northern Ireland (AWB) has confirmed changes to pay for agricultural workers. At a meeting of the AWB on Friday 27 February 2026, the Board agreed the rates from 1 April 2026. The rates are:
Grade 1 - Agricultural Trainee: Under 18: £8.00 per hour
- 18-20: £10.85 per hour
- 21+: £12.71 per hour
- Grade 2 - Agricultural Worker: £13.30 per hour
- Grade 3 - Lead Skilled Agricultural Worker: £13.66 per hour
- Grade 4 - Agricultural Multi-skilled Worker: £13.89 per hour
- Grade 5 - Agricultural Manager: £14.44 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.
Overtime will now be paid at the same hourly rate as normal working hours. Other overtime rates will be subject to contractual agreement between the employer/employee.
The accommodation offset has been increased to £60.00 per week.
The operative date for the new rates is the first pay reference period beginning on or after 1 April 2026 and these are specified in the Board’s Order No 106. Copies of the Order will be available shortly on the DAERA website.
The Agricultural Wages Board is currently revising all grade descriptions to reflect changes to the grading structure. As a result, the previous grade definitions and qualification requirements are no longer applicable and are not currently available. Updated information will be published on the DAERA website once the new grading structure has been finalised.
Notes to editors:
1. The Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) was established under the terms of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1977, to regulate the minimum rates of wages, and other related matters, for workers in agriculture.
2. The Board consists of 15 members:
- three members appointed by the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, one of whom is Chair of the Board;
- six members nominated by the Ulster Farmers' Union as representatives of agricultural employers; and
- six members nominated by Unite the Union as representatives of agricultural workers' interests.
3. This Press Release is issued by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on behalf of the Agricultural Wages Board.
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5. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.
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