Blog from McTaggart Construction
The construction sector has long been faced with challenges around low pay, particularly for workers in entry-level and support roles. While skilled trades command competitive wages, many in our industry still struggle to make ends meet on the statutory minimum wage. This creates real hardship for individuals and families, and ultimately undermines the stability and sustainability of our workforce.
At McTaggart Construction, we recognised that we needed to do better. That’s why we became accredited real Living Wage employers – because we wanted to do the fair and right thing by our employees.
Unlike the government’s National Living Wage, the real Living Wage is calculated based on what people actually need to live. It accounts for the true cost of housing, food, clothing and other essentials. In Scotland, where living costs continue to rise, this distinction matters enormously.
For us, paying the real Living Wage isn’t just about meeting a standard, it’s about ensuring our people can meet their basic needs without struggling financially. When someone comes to work for McTaggart Construction, they should know that their wages will genuinely support them and their families.
The impact of this commitment has been significant. Combined with our strong employee benefits and reward platform, paying the real Living Wage has led to noticeably higher employee satisfaction and morale. Our people feel valued, and that shows in their work.
But the benefits extend far beyond our organisation. When employees earn more, they have greater disposable income to spend on goods and services in their local communities. This increased consumer spending creates a ripple effect, supporting other businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening the local economy we all depend on.
We’ve seen this first-hand with employees like David Evans, who was economically inactive for 11 years before joining us. Now, with fair pay and secure employment, David has a stable tenancy and is actively contributing to the economy. Stories like his demonstrate why fair pay isn’t just good ethics, it’s a driver of genuine social and economic regeneration.
Our commitment to the real Living Wage aligns perfectly with Community Wealth Building (CWB) approaches that strengthen local economic resilience. Fair wages ensure that earned income circulates within local communities rather than being extracted elsewhere. This reduces poverty, improves financial security, and promotes greater equity across our regions.
As a social housing contractor, we work closely with housing associations and local authorities who share these regeneration aims. By mirroring our clients’ values and prioritising local employment alongside fair pay, we’re contributing to a sustainable, inclusive and worker-focused economy. This isn’t peripheral to our work, it’s central to building the stronger communities we’re all working towards.
If you’re considering real Living Wage accreditation, our message is simple: it’s worth it.
Yes, there’s a financial commitment involved, but the returns, in employee loyalty, productivity, reduced turnover, and positive reputation, justify the investment. Your workforce is your greatest asset, and investing in them pays dividends.
The accreditation process itself is straightforward, and Living Wage Scotland provides excellent support. Start by reviewing your current pay structures, calculate the cost implications, and build it into your business planning. Many of our clients and partners actively support and encourage Living Wage accreditation, so you may find this opens doors rather than closing them.
Most importantly, consider the kind of employer you want to be. At McTaggart Construction, celebrating our 80th anniversary this year, we’re proud that fair pay sits at the heart of how we do business. It’s about more than compliance, it’s about contributing to long-term local prosperity and being part of the solution to inequality in our sector.
The construction industry is built on people. It’s time we all ensured those people can build decent lives for themselves too.