Blog by Colleen Wilkie at QTS Contracts
As the only UK pay benchmark based on how much it actually costs to live, the real Living Wage is incredibly important. This is especially true in industries such as construction which face issues such as skills shortages, recruitment pressure and retention challenges. For example, the continued use of informal cash-in-hand arrangements and insecure zero-hours contracts found across the construction sector, can undermine fair pay, reduce employment protections and weaken workforce stability.
The Construction Workforce Outlook (CITB) highlighted in 2025 that Scotland needs over 17,950 extra workers over the next five years, while broader labour market evidence from the Scottish Government shows that 11.4% of employees aged 18+ in Scotland earned less than the real Living Wage in 2024. In that context, fair pay is not just a social issue; it is also a workforce strategy.
By paying the real Living Wage, employees have enough to afford their actual household costs, leading to greater stability and reinforcing the principle of fair pay.
For employers, the real Living Wage can reduce in-work financial pressure, which in turn can improve wellbeing, attendance, focus and retention. In a sector facing persistent labour shortages, this makes fair pay a practical workforce strategy as well as a social commitment.
Being a Living Wage employer helps us attract and retain people, not only because of pay but also because it reflects job security, fair treatment, satisfaction at work and a strong sense of teamwork.
Our experience is that paying the real Living Wage or above makes the business more attractive to candidates who are looking for stable employment and long-term career opportunities.
Beyond this, the real Living Wage fits with our ethos as a company. QTS North places value on supporting our local community.
We participate in the Work It programme with local high schools, helping to encourage young people into apprenticeship pathways and work experience opportunities within the construction sector.
We currently employ 54 staff at QTS Contracts North Ltd and have recently recruited three plumbing apprentices, two electrical apprentices, three joinery apprentices and one office administration apprentice and plan to take on a further four. Demonstrating our continued investment in skills development and the future workforce. Once qualified, these roles provide stable employment and competitive pay.
Our apprentices are recruited locally, allowing us to invest in the community while developing skilled employees. They gain practical on-the-job experience alongside college day release, leading to recognised qualifications, and all are employed through formal payroll arrangements with tax, National Insurance, holiday pay and other employment protections.
We also work closely with Jobcentre services, which can play an important role in connecting employers with local people seeking training and employment opportunities.
This commitment to the community and to fair employment practices has strengthened our reputation, supporting successful work with organisations such as Perth & Kinross Council and Caledonia Housing and helping us create further job opportunities.
As well as making business sense, the real Living Wage makes sense as part of who we are, and we are delighted to be part of the growing Living Wage community committed to achieving fair pay for everyone.