This year’s Living Wage Scotland Awards took place on Wednesday 6 November at Rutherglen Town Hall. Everyone in the room deserves recognition for the great work they do in promoting the real Living Wage, supporting their staff and their communities, and for their continued commitment to working towards a fairer Scotland.
The event was hosted by the wonderful comedian Susan Morrison and our special guest speaker was the amazing Mel Young, Co-Founder of The Big Issue, and Founder and President of the Homeless World Cup. Mel is passionate about the role of sport in changing the world for the better and the audience were moved and inspired by his message.
We were also joined by Tom Arthur, Scottish Government Minister for Employment and Investment who was delighted to announce the winner of the Living Hours Awards. We heard about the challenges and successes of the Living Wage campaign journey in Scotland from Peter Kelly, Chief Executive of The Poverty Alliance
We would like to thank SSE plc, our principal Award sponsors for their continued support. This year our Award categories were also sponsored by a great group of accredited Living Wage employers. Thanks to the generosity of all our sponsors we were able to enjoy a very special evening.
We would like to also thank the fantastic staff at Rutherglen Town Hall, FoSho Studios for their amazing work on the Awards video content, Benholm Group for our gorgeous flower arrangements and The Grassmarket Community Project for our unique trophies. Not forgetting Essence of Harris, Ochil Fudge, Molton Brown, Tantrum Doughnuts, The Glenmorangie Co, The Portobello Bookshop and Weleda who all added a little extra sparkle to the evening!
And finally, a huge thank you to all our employers and employees who continue to support the real Living Wage. They are fundamental in helping reduce in-work poverty and make Scotland become a fairer nation where everyone can enjoy a happy and healthy life.
Newcomer of the Year Award – Fat Buddha
Fat Buddha is an independent, family run retail store in Glasgow offering a wide range of streetwear, trainers, spray paint and accessories. Since becoming accredited this year, they have actively engaged with the Living Wage movement and are dedicated to providing a positive and supportive working environment.
This Award was proudly sponsored by abrdn
Trailblazer Award – ACS Clothing
ACS Clothing are on a mission to transform the clothing industry into a circular fashion model. They have been a long-time supporter of the Living Wage and fair work and are constantly reinforcing their commitment to social responsibility and ethical business practices.
This Awards was proudly sponsored by Camera Obscura
Employee Choice Award – Highland Campervan
offer new, used and customised motorhomes and campervans, as well as servicing and repairs. Claire’s passion for working with a supportive and caring employer came through on her application and the judges were impressed by the benefits Highland Campervans offer to employees as well as their commitment to their wellbeing.
This Award was proudly sponsored by KURA
Living Hours Award – Fife Gingerbread
Fife Gingerbread provide advice and support to lone parents and families in need all over Fife. They took an innovative approach when working towards Living Hours accreditation by creating a new job role to facilitate additional hours. Fife Gingerbread have actively engaged with the Living Wage movement since joining and are passionate about protecting people from in-work poverty and job insecurity.
This Award was proudly sponsored by Capital City Partnership
Local Champion Award – For You Training
For You Training work with young people to help them realise their potential. They offer a wide portfolio of courses ranging from farming, food & drink to personal development and business skills. They have made a significant impact particularly within the hospitality and agriculture sectors. Having seen the impact of rural deprivation and seasonality, they are on a mission to ensure that young people within these sectors are well trained and well paid.
This Award was proudly sponsored by First Bus
Outstanding Leadership Award – HRM Homecare
HRM Homecare stand out within the care sector for their commitment to the real Living Wage and their advocacy work. They have actively encouraged other employers to become accredited and believe they have a vital role to play in addressing economic inequality. They also offer additional benefits to support the team including comprehensive healthcare coverage, increased paid leave, and access to mental health resources.
This Award was proudly sponsored by Morton Fraser MacRoberts
Voice of the Year – Kirsty Lunn, Molke
Kirsty is a passionate advocate for the real Living Wage and Living Hours. She works alongside the Dundee Action Group to promote the campaigns and encourage others to join. Kirsty’s passion for treating people with dignity and respect shines through everything she does. She believes fair pay and secure hours are a basic requirement and says “A loyal workforce is priceless, and a business isn’t sustainable if it keeps going by underpaying staff members or forcing them onto zero-hour contracts. Business leaders should be held accountable.”
This Award was proudly sponsored by The Richmond Fellowship Scotland
Thank you so much everyone. We would not be able to have such a fabulous Awards evening without the support of you all!