Agricultural Workers

Agricultural workers in Wales, and those employed in England before 1 October 2013, are normally entitled to:

  • minimum rates of pay which may be higher than the National Minimum Wage 

  • paid holiday 

  • Agricultural Sick Pay 

  • pay even if bad weather stops work 

  • night work pay 

  • on-call allowance 

  • 30-minute rest breaks, if they are 18 or over and work more than 5.5 hours a day 

There are different employment rights for agricultural workers employed in England from 1 October 2013.

Terms and conditions

Agricultural workers in England employed before 1 October 2013 still have the terms and conditions set out in the Agricultural Wages (England and Wales) Order 2012.

This sets out many of the terms and conditions of employment. However, agricultural workers must still be given a written statement of employment particulars by their employer.

Trainees rights

Trainees have different rights, for example they do not get paid holidays.

Help and advice

If you were employed in England before 1 October 2013, you can contact the Acas helpline or use the Acas Helpline Online to get further advice. You can also make a complaint to the Rural Payments agency. 

For queries about wages and rights in Wales after 1 October 2013 contact the Agriculture: Sustainable Development Division.

Agriculture: Sustainable Development Division

 Agriculture: Sustainable Development Division

Welsh Government

Government Buildings

Spa Road East
 
Llandrindod Wells
 
Powys
 
LD1 5HA

Further Information

Additional information on agricultural workers can be found on GOV.UK.