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Wednesday, 3 October 2023

Agricultural Minimum Wage – accommodation offset

Your employer might be able to make a deduction from your pay for accommodation they provide for you. This is called the 'accommodation offset'. Find out what accommodation your employer can make deductions for and how much they can deduct.

Accommodation offset

If your employer provides you with accommodation, they can count some of its value towards your Agricultural Minimum Wage pay. This is called the 'accommodation offset'. For accommodation offset to apply, your employment contract must say you need to live in the accommodation provided.

Maximum deductions from Agricultural Minimum Wage

Your employer can deduct £1.50 per week from your Agricultural Minimum Wage for each week that a house is provided.

You might live in accommodation provided by your employer other than a house, eg a caravan. If so, your employer can deduct £4.73 for each day the accommodation is provided. You must have worked at least 15 hours that week before your employer can make the deduction.

If you are taking any type of leave for which you receive pay this counts towards working hours for that week.

Accommodation

'A house' is defined as a whole house or self-contained accommodation fit for humans to live in but not a caravan or mobile home. It includes any garden that goes with the house.

'Other accommodation' is defined as any living accommodation other than a house that is fit for humans to live in and:

  • is safe and secure
  • provides a bed for each worker
  • provides drinking water
  • provides suitable and sufficient toilets and washing facilities
  • meets standards set out in Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations

Where to get help

If you need further advice on your rights as an agricultural worker you can contact the Pay and Work Rights Helpline, or complete their online enquiry form.

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