Norwich-based farmers’ co-operative Anglia Farmers (AF) has launched a new service to help members manage human resources, payroll and pensions.

AF, which believes its service is the first of its kind in the farming co-op industry, said it had developed it in response to members wanting professional support for a robust and legally compliant system. It will be managed by AF’s HR manager Suzanne Smith.

“If the Coalition Government goes ahead and abolish the Agricultural Wages Board, which looks very likely, our offering will be even more significant,” she said. The board decides on minimum benefits, overtime rates, holidays, bereavement leave, sick pay and rest breaks.