Reappointment of the Chair of the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB)

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced the reappointment of Rodger McKnight as Chair of the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) for a further term.

Rodger’s first period as Chair is effective from 1 June 2014 to 31 May 2017, with his second term extending to 31 May 2020.

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. Appointments are made under Article 3 and Schedule 1 of the order.

2. The Board consists of 15 members:

• three members appointed by the DAERA Minister, 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. The posts of Chair and Independent Member attract attendance fees of £271 and £140 per meeting respectively, plus travelling expenses and subsistence at civil service rates. Reasonable costs for child and dependent care may also be paid. The Board meets three times per year.

4. The reappointment has been made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland’s Code of Practice.

5. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments NI requires that the political activity of appointees to be published. Rodger has not been involved in any political activities during the past five years.

6. Mr Rodger McKnight is from Ballyrobert, Co. Antrim. Rodger has significant experience of industrial relations negotiations, employment law and formal arbitration. He also brings to the role a good understanding of legislation and of applying legislative guidelines. Rodger holds another ministerial appointment as a panel member for the Industrial Tribunal and Fair Employment Tribunal for Northern Ireland. Mr McKnight has held this position since 1996 and payment is at £180 per day.

7. All media enquiries to DAERA Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619 or email DAERA Press Office. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned. Follow us on Twitter.

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