Workers in the farming sector can expect an increase in wages, the Department of Labour said in a statement on Friday.

The increase would be effective from 1 March 2009, in line with amended minimum wages set out in government's sectoral determination, the department said.

Farm workers would now earn R6.31 per hour, R284 per week and a monthly rate of R1231.70.

The amendment further stipulated that an employer must pay a farm worker – who was 15 years of age or older, but less than 18 and who worked for 35 hours per week or less – at least the hourly rate.

"Employees in this sector will be paid one single minimum wage irrespective of their location.

"There will no longer be a distinction between those employers and employees previously in so-called rural areas," the department said. The increase was based on the September 2008 consumer price index excluding mortgage costs (CPIX) which was 13 percent at the time.

Sapa