Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Midpoint 4.4%

The survey includes only three agreements in this sector and so the 4.4% mid-point can't be regarded as a reliable indicator of the general trend. The Agricultural Wages Board for England and Wales raised the minimum rate for an adult standard worker by 20p (4.38%) last October (a 3% rise is due this October, see page 2).

The new three-year deal at the Forestry Commission was worth 5% last October, 18.5% in total. Bringing together and harmonising conditions of service for all staff, with a common October settlement date, the package included a new pay structure based on eight pay bands, with four related pay bands for operational posts.