Positive employment law news emerged in Scotland last week with confirmation from rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead that the government will keep the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board.

Employment law solicitors in Scotland have welcomed the announcement, which comes in the wake of a Law Society committee recommendation that the Wages Board retain its role in safeguarding the pay and work and safety conditions of farming workers in Scotland.

"More workers in agriculture are paid at or near the minimum wage in comparison with other sectors and the UK National Minimum Wage provides only residual protection for low paid workers," commented Rory McPherson, convener of the Law Society of Scotland's equalities law committee.

"The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board plays an important role in protecting the pay and conditions of agricultural workers and there is no evidence to suggest that abolishing or restricting the remit of the Board would result in any benefit or enhanced employment conditions for those workers."

What might a Brexit mean for employment law in Scotland?

In other related news, employment lawyers in the UK have said that any decision to exit the UK could have important ramifications on the nation's employment laws, including Scotland; however, given that any exit would be a phased process, it is likely that the impacts on employment law would not be felt for some time, meaning status quo for at least a few years.

Thompsons' employment lawyers

If you would like help with your rights under Scottish employment law, click here for more from Thompsons .