Developing Business In The Garden Industry
HTA Comment on Defra announcement on the abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman has today announced that the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) will be abolished – just one of a number of reforms to be made to more than 30 of Defra’s arm’s length bodies.
David Gwyther, Director General of the Horticultural Trades Association comments, “We are delighted that this announcement confirms the assurances that we were given in our meetings with opposition ministers prior to the election. The abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board is a critical decision in helping to ensure the competitiveness of an industry that has many challenges in competing in the global market. The previous rationale for a wages board no longer exists as other legislation has caught up making the AWB an unwanted anomaly.”
The Defra press release can be viewed at http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/2010/07/22/arms-length-bodies/
Contacts
Gill Ormrod, Jade Jennings or Irene Scofield
HTA Press Office
Tel: 0118 930 3132
Email: press.office@the-hta.org.uk
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is the trade association for the UK garden industry. It is dedicated to helping develop the industry and its member businesses, including most garden centres and other garden retailers, growers, landscapers, manufacturers and service providers.
The HTA was founded in 1899. Its key roles include: provision of advice-based services such as business improvement schemes, briefings and help lines; training for members; a central buying service; marketing services such as National Garden Gift Vouchers, the Garden Industry Monitor and the PlantforLife promotion initiative; and working closely with government to influence policy and projects.
Last updated: 22/07/2010 15:50