MEMBERS UPDATE 7th MARCH 2025

National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates

The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on your age and whether you're an apprentice.
You must be at least:
school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage
aged 21 to get the National Living Wage – the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 20 and under

Current rates
These rates are for the National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age). The rates change on 1 April every year.
21 and over 18 to 20 Under 18 Apprentice
April 2024 (current rate) £11.44 £8.60 £6.40 £6.40
April 2025 £12.21 £10.00 £7.55 £7.55
Apprentices
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they're either:
• aged under 19
• aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship.

The rule is they must be signed on to an official apprenticeship programme.

Meat Managers Course

Wednesday 2 April 2025 – 9.30am to 4.30pm
Venue – Scottish Craft Butchers Office, 8/10 Needless Road, Perth PH2 0JW
Lunch is provided.

It is recognised throughout the UK and has been delivered (and still is being delivered) throughout this sector, indeed many Local Authorities have asked for this course to be delivered to their butchers, as it is meat and meat product specific.
This course is intense but delivered over just one day.
It is certificated by The Institute of Meat.

£300 per person

Contact Claire on 01738 637785 to book your place or email [email protected]

Introduction to Pastry Course for apprentices

We are running an Introduction to Pastry Course for apprentices who have little or no experience working with Pastry.
Swords – pastry supplier to butcher and bakers UK wide will be attending to talk about the different uses for their products.
Willie Kemp, Craft Skills Scotland Assessor, and expert pie maker will be helping make delicious fillings for your products.
Spaces are VERY limited.
COST: £10 per person

Contact Claire Simpson to book.
01738 637785
[email protected]

Wage Survey Results 2025

The wages survey conducted between 4 January 2025 and 5th March 2025. We received 14 responses. The results are to be used as a guide to businesses. The results have been uploaded to the members only website under Employment Law or can be requested from [email protected]
National Black Pudding Day 18th March

Please find attached National Black Pudding logos etc for use on the run up to National Black Pudding Day 18th March.

Make it With Haggis & Speciality Sausage Evaluation

This is an excellent opportunity to have a panel of judges evaluate your products. Winning an award gives you huge potential to help promote your business to new and existing customers. If you have never entered a competition before you can contact Bruce Tel 01738 637472 for help and advice on your entry. GOOD LUCK
Scottish Meat Trade Fair – Last Few Stands Remaining – Sunday 11th May 2025
The event is widely recognised as the retail butchery sector big day out at the Dewars Centre, Perth.
The show will include,
Exhibitors stands, Scotland Butcher Wars, World Haggis Championship, Scottish Pork Sausage Championship, Presentation of prizes for the “Speciality Sausage” and the “Make it With Haggis” Awards, Presentation of trainee certificates.
And of course, to catch up with your colleagues in the trade. Reserve the date in your diary and come along for what is sure to be a great day out.
If you have Suppliers to the trade who you think may be interested in exhibiting please send me their contact details.
If you have any questions or queries, please get in touch using the contact details below.

MEMBER SERVICES – Bruce McCall:             [email protected]                01738 637472
CRAFT SKILLS SCOTLAND – Claire Simpson:    [email protected]               01738 637785

Scottish Craft Butchers
8-10 Needless Road
Perth PH2 0JW
Tel: 01738 637472
Mobile: 01738 637472
twitter.com/scocraftbutcher
facebook.com/scottishcraftbutchers/
www.craftbutchers.co.uk