Agricultural minimum wage changes from 1 April 2026
Agricultural Minimum Wage rates are usually updated each year by the Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales (the Panel). Recruitment for a new Chair is still in progress which means the Panel has not yet been able to agree a new Agricultural Wages Order for 2026.
As a result, from 1 April 2026, the minimum wage rates set out in the Agricultural Wages (Wales) Order 2025 will continue to apply, except where overtaken by changes to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW).
Agricultural Minimum Wage rates from 1 April 2026
Due to the increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, the minimum hourly rates for agricultural workers from 1 April 2026 will be:
| Category of worker | Hourly rate from 1 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Grade A1 (16 – 17 years old) | £8.00* |
| Grade A2 (18 – 20 years old) | £10.85* |
| Grade A3 (21 years+) | £12.71* |
| Grade B1 (16 – 17 years old) | £8.00* |
| Grade B2 (18 – 20 years old) | £10.85* |
| Grade B3 (21 years+) | £12.71* |
| Grade C – Agricultural Advanced Worker | £13.48 |
| Grade D – Senior Agricultural Worker | £14.79 |
| Grade E – Agricultural Manager | £16.23 |
| Apprentice Year 1 | £8.00* |
| Apprentice Year 2+ (16 – 17 years old) | £8.00* |
| Apprentice Year 2+ (18 – 20 years old) | £10.85* |
| Apprentice Year 2+ (21+) | £12.71* |
| Grade A1 (16 – 17 years old) | £8.00* |
* These rates increase because they are now superseded by the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.
| Allowance | 1 April 2025 | 1 April 2026 |
| Dog Allowance (per dog per week) | £11.18 | £11.18 |
| Night Time Work Allowance – per hour of night work | £2.12 | £2.12 |
| Birth Adoption Allowance – for each child | £87.85 | £87.85 |
| Accommodation Offset Allowance (House) | £1.97 per week | £1.97 per week |
| Accommodation Offset Allowance (Other Accommodation) | £6.31 per day | £6.31 per day |
As these are minimum rates, any planned or expected annual wage increases can still take place from this date voluntarily. New Agricultural Minimum Wage rates will be considered as soon as it is possible to do so. It is possible a future Wages Order could consider backdated payments for agricultural workers.
This webpage will be updated once a new Wages Order is approved.