FARM workers in Wales are to receive a pay rise of around six % under a new code drawn up by the Welsh Government.

The agricultural minimum wage had been protected by the Welsh Government in 2014 after the Agricultural Wages Board for England and Wales, which set minimum pay rates for agricultural workers, was scrapped by the 2010 Conservative/Liberal Democrat UK coalition government.

The Welsh Government’s deputy minister for food and farming, Rebecca Evans has confirmed an interim order setting new minimum pay rates for agricultural works. The new rates are expected to be introduced this year.

Ms Evans, who represents Mid and West Wales, said farm workers hadn’t received a statutory pay review since the last Agricultural Wages Order was issued by the now abolished Agricultural Wages Board for England and Wales in 2012.

The six % rise works out as an annual increase of two % between 2012 and 2015.

Labour AM Ms Evans said: "As well as ensuring fair wages for all agricultural workers, the new Order will retain the provisions of the 2012 Order to ensure the proper and continued functioning of the Agricultural Minimum Wage regime.

"These provisions include overtime rates, on-call allowance, night work supplement, dog allowance and housing offset."

The Agricultural Minimum Wage regime will apply to all workers over compulsory school age while the National Living Wage of £7.20 per hour, the UK Government is introducing from April 2016 only applies to workers aged 25 and over.

Agricultural pay rates have six grades and Ms Evans said the lowest, grade one will be set at two pence above the current National Minimum Wage at £6.72 an hour. Traditionally, the Agricultural Wages Board set Grade 1 hourly pay at or just above the National Minimum Wage.

If it should be introduced, the National Living Wage will impact on the wages of grade 1 workers aged 25 and over. The wage levels for the other grades of workers will be specified above the currently proposed National Living Wage in the new Order.

The Grade 1 rate is regarded as a transitional grade while the government says data shows most workers in agriculture are actually employed at Grade 2 level.

The rates are expected to remain in force until the New Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales is established. The panel is the Welsh Government’s replacement for the former Agricultural Wages Board.