Terms and conditions - pay rates in particular

Just been reading another thread re day rate for 3 man team and tracked chipper etc. Got me thinking - how much should I be paying someone to feed a chipper, operate from a rope and harness etc etc. I ask cos someone recently told me I was grossly overpaying people! I know rates are regional but I'd like to hear some opinions on this:

I currently pay £120 a day (call that 8 hours max thus £15 per hour) to my climber. I would assume that less than £100 a day is insulting and would think £150 a day is perfectly reasonable.

I was recently talking to a groundie from another firm and I asked him if he minded telling me how much he was being paid - he did - £6.50 an hour. I was disgusted and felt very sorry for the chap. How on earth is someone supposed to survive on that?! It was this attitude that ran me into trouble with someone who thought £6.50 p/h was average and fair enough. Either I'm very out of touch with what people earn and too generous or everyone else is plain stingy. I believe you reap what you sow and my concience would struggle with paying a grown man less than £10 - £12 an hour.

Let rip........!

If you think that what your paying is acceptable, leave it at that!!! If it was me, I think I wouldn't open up this particular can of worms!!! Just my humble opinion!!!

I figured this could be asking for trouble! Forgot to add that that chap on £6.50 p/h also had to use his own equipment; saws, clothing etc. Not sure about fuel tho.

I figured this could be asking for trouble! Forgot to add that that chap on £6.50 p/h also had to use his own equipment; saws, clothing etc. Not sure about fuel tho.

I'm 32 yrs old and just started the NA Arb for 3 days a week. I have managed to find work for two days a week with a local firm and I'm getting £50 a day. I'm told this is the going rate for a newbie. If you are looking for some extra help around June time I'm looking to relocate with the wife and you sound like a great boss!!?

Good on you mate - if only every employer/contractor had your attitude! I think many people would say that arb is an underpaid job given the skills required, hard work and potential dangers.

As you said, you reap what you sow to some degree so keep doing what your conscience tells you! I am sure you will have happier staff than many if you pay them fair money.

Yep i'm the same at least £10 ph at least, that's usally £80 per day. I still pay that even if we finish early, as they have worked their balls off to finish.

I'm L/A si I'll try and keep out of this one.....But, I have been known to work weekends. Three years ago I used to work for £100, that is untill I found out gardeners round here were asking £120 per day!

I dont work weekends now (my spare time is far too important) But If I did I'd want £150.per day, climbing.

I think £150 should be the minimum you ask for climbing John, provided you are fluid and competent:icon14:

There has to be a difference between a contract climber with his own gear coming in when you need him, to guys working 5 days a week on a week in / out basis.

My guys are on £80 per day whether they do a big climb, polesaw a few bits of epicormic, feed the chipper or even sit in the landrover waiting for a shutdown. Sometimes they finish at 2.30, sometimes at 6.00. I would like to pay a bit more, but our contract rates are very tight, and the guys are happy knowing they get £400 a week whatever happens.

I think £150 should be the minimum you ask for climbing John, provided you are fluid and competent:icon14:

groundie £7.50 phr if hes half good? climber which is me what ever is left in the pot @ end of the week !