Local MSP Cathy Jamieson has welcomed the decision by the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board to increase the minimum wage for farm workers to £6.32 an hour.

Ms Jamieson has been campaigning with trade union Unite on this issue and believes that local farm workers needed to be supported.

She said:

"Rural areas have suffered traditionally with low wages but relatively high living costs. So it's vital that the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board is there to assess these issues and ensure that rural workers are protected.

"The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board have made the right decision on this issue and I hope that the Board will continue to help protect workers pay in Scotland."

Ms Jamieson vowed to continue campaigning for increased wages, and recently called for a 'living wage' for NHS workers. The Living Wage Campaign is lobbying employers across Scotland to introduce a living wage of £7 per hour. She added:

"While the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board's decision is a move in the right direction I hope that local employers will look positively at the Living Wage Campaign."

14/06/2009