Results released by the City of Edinburgh Council on 19 April reveal dozens of employers lining up to make the Living Wage pledge.
Following a record surge in Living Wage sign-ups last year – where more than 120 Capital-based businesses became formally accredited – 30 additional organisations gained Living Wage accreditation between January and March 2023.
The first quarter sign ups include Morton Fraser LLP, Mercy Corps Europe, Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network, as well as Think Circus CIC – a team of professional circus teachers and performers bringing the excitement of circus to events, workplaces and communities. Together, new sign ups in the last quarter will result in more than 1,200 workers being covered by a Living Wage commitment.
Thanks to the award-winning work of partners directly involved in cementing Edinburgh’s ‘Living Wage City’ status, Edinburgh is smashing its target to more than double its number of Living Wage accredited employers.
Living wage accreditation is not only good for workers, it is good for business too. Just last month, seven Living Wage employers received recognition from their business peers at the annual Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce business awards – with Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, Edinburgh College, Surgeon’s Quarter, Narro Associates and others all coming out on top in their categories. Not to be left out, Edinburgh Living Wage City Action Group member Mercat Tours also picked up a 2023 Scottish Excellence Award in the past quarter, alongside many other accolades.
This is only the beginning of a year’s work for the Edinburgh Living Wage Action Group. In May the city will be hosting the first in person conference of Living Wage Action Groups from all across the UK. Held in Edinburgh City Chambers, this will be an opportunity for towns and cities to come together, share learning, and find new ways to make sure everyone in work can earn the real Living Wage that covers the real cost of living.
Kat Borrowdale, Founder of Think Circus CIC, said:
“Becoming a Living Wage Employer was an important step for us as we recognise that it’s never been harder to work in the creative industries. Social circus is all about helping young people and children to recognise their own strengths and values, so it’s crucial to value and support our staff team as they do this important work. “
Councillor Jane Meagher, Convener of Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work for the City of Edinburgh Council, said:
“We won’t stop on our mission to encourage employers right across the city to pay a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. The project team had a record-breaking year for Living Wage sign ups in 2022 and it’s a trend which is clearly continuing into 2023.
Tackling in-work poverty has never been more vital as we continue to battle the cost-of-living crisis and I’d like to thank all 30 employers for starting the year on such a positive note. They join a movement of 630 Edinburgh-based businesses who are helping to tackle low pay and insecure work, demonstrating to their workers that they are valued. Let’s keep it going!”
Christine McCaig, Living Wage Projects Coordinator at Living Wage Scotland, said:
“We are delighted to have welcomed 30 Edinburgh based employers to the Living Wage movement since the beginning of the year. There are now more than 630 Living Wage accredited employers in Scotland’s capital. Together they have strengthened the ambition to ‘Make Edinburgh a Living Wage City’ and we hope to see many more follow their lead.”