The Rural Bulletin: 16 November 2017 

Living wage proposed for Scottish farm workers

The Scottish Government has released plans to create a minimum hourly rate specifically for agricultural workers – regardless of job role or age.

However, with the UK National Living Wage set at £7.50/hour - for workers over 25 - those employing agricultural staff in Scotland could face much higher outgoings. This could be detrimental to employment rates as farmers may be forced to use contractors as a more cost-effective option, warned NFU Scotland this week. 

“A single rate of pay for all Scottish agricultural workers will mean that for those under the age of 25, the minimum rate of pay in agriculture will be significantly higher than in any other industry,” said Scott Walker, NFUS chief executive, in a Farmers Weekly report.

“Unfortunately, for many farms, falling incomes mean that keeping a staff member in full-time employment can be difficult.”

Woodland grants available for HS2 landowners

Landowners with ground along the HS2 high-speed rail link between London and the West Midlands may be eligible for grants under a new £5m Forestry Commission scheme. 

The HS2 Woodland Fund is designed to help create and restore native woodlands along the high-speed link. To be eligible farmers must be within a 25-mile buffer zone of the HS2 route. Applications open in January 2018 and payments will cover up to 100% of the costs, to a maximum of £8,500/ha for new woodland creation and up to £4,000/ha for the restoration of ancient woodland after felling. 

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Gove to instate an environmental watchdog

Defra secretary Michael Gove plans to create an independent watchdog after Brexit to ensure farmers adhere to environmental standards. As part of his “Green Brexit” plans, Mr Gove said the new body will help to maintain and enhance environment standards, as well as advising the Government and challenging legislation. A consultation, covering the exact powers of the body, is expected to be launched early next year. 

Poor broadband isolating rural housing

Poor broadband in rural areas is forcing residents to move away to places with better connection speeds, according to a report by the National Housing Federation.

The biggest demographic affected is young people, though there has also been a noticeable decline in businesses establishing in rural areas – simply due to the poor connection – further reducing the number of people in the countryside, and increasing the average age of rural households.

By 2039, the number of working age households in England is expected to fall by 1% in rural areas but increase by 11% in urban areas, added the report.