UNION representatives have warned East Lancashire farm labourers about moves to reduce their pay when the abolition of the agricultural wages board takes effect.

The union Unite fears that more people may be forced into poverty if they accept new contracts which could also see their employment rights vanish.

Around 150,000 people nationally and more than 724 regular and casual workers in East Lancashire, who are employed as farm labourers, could be hit by the government-led change if their employer asks them to sign a new contract.

The move, which comes into force in October, will remove a minimum standard wage seven-tier system graded according to experience and skills, meaning that new contracts could be pegged to the lower national minimum wage rate of £6.31.

Most farm labourers are currently entitled to at least £6.58 an hour if they are classfied level two or above.

The board’s abolition will also remove the right to pay when travelling to work and to a 30-minute rest period when working more than five- and-a-half hours.

Workers could also see mandatory holiday leave allowance reduced.

Bridget Henderson, campaigns officer for rural workers, said: “Employers may try to push through new contracts on worse terms if their employees aren’t aware of the abolition of the board.

“We want workers to join the union and come to us to get advice if they feel they are being pushed into signing new contracts.”

Graham Young, of Greenhurst Farm, said: “We’ve only got one farm worker but he won’t be affected because he is paid above the board rates anyway.”

David Barnes, owner of Withgill Farm, said: “I didn’t realise it was being abolished and none of my workers have said anything to me about it so far.

“The market will dictate what wages are paid and at good people will always be paid well.”