Agricultural Wages Board

Minimum wages for Agricultural and Horticultural Workers on the Isle of Man are set by the Agricultural Wages Board for the Isle of Man.

The operation of the Agricultural Wages Board is governed by the Agricultural Wages Act 1952. The Agricultural Wages Board consists of nine members, three independent members led by the chairman, three members representing employers and three members representing employees.

In the picture to the right, the Agricultural Wages Board in 2011 made up of:

Left to right standing: Michael Osborne, Geoff Taggart, Alan Skillicorn, Alan Radcliffe, Nigel Taylor (Secretary)

Sitting: Tim Gilmore, Arthur Radcliffe, Charles Faragher, Peter Williamson (Chairman Mick Gaffney missing)

The Board usually sits at the end of the summer to decide what increase, if any, should be applied in respect of minimum wage rates for the Isle of Man. The proposed order is publicised in the local press and if no objections are received then that proposal forms the Wages Order for that year.

In addition, the Board considers what rate of rental should be charged to agricultural workers living in tied properties. These Regulations require Tynwald approval each year and are steered through Tynwald by the Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture.

It should be noted that in applying the rates set by the Board, particularly with regard to deductions, due regard must be given to compliance with the Minimum Wage Act operated by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Other aspects of employment regulation applicable to agricultural workers are dealt with by the Industrial Relations Office and the Department of Economic Development, Employment Division.

Copies of the current Order and Regulations are available to download. Please note that the Regulations were not updated in 2011. The 2010 Regulations therefore remain current.

For enquiries with regard to the Agricultural Wages Board, contact: