Edinburgh Napier University signs up to Living Wage commitment

20 July 2021

We are pleased to announce that today Edinburgh Napier University has become accredited as a Living Wage employer. Napier have been paying the Living Wage to staff (including their casual workforce) for a number of years and the accreditation confirms their commitment to continue this, with all work being paid at a minimum hourly rate of £9.50.  This is significantly higher than the government minimum for over 23s, which currently stands at £8.91 per hour.

Employers choose to pay the real Living Wage on a voluntary basis, recognising the value of their workers, and Edinburgh Napier University are delighted to make this commitment.

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “The success of any organisation is built on the people within it, and we are very pleased to deliver on the commitment we made to paying the Living Wage for all our employees while working towards eliminating any bias in our pay systems.

“We are proud to have been recognised as a socially responsible and accredited Living Wage employer, actively taking steps to ensure staff incomes keep pace with the cost of living.”

Peter Kelly, Director of The Poverty Alliance, said: “Too many workers in Scotland are in the grip of poverty, and employers choosing to pay at least the real Living Wage can loosen that grip. Payment of the real Living Wage allows those in work to become more included in society, better meet their everyday needs, and feel that their value and hard work is recognised by their employer. Congratulations to Edinburgh Napier on its Living Wage commitment, and I hope more organisations follow its lead by becoming Living Wage accredited.”

Lynn Anderson, Living Wage Scotland Manager, said: “We’re delighted that Edinburgh Napier University has become an accredited Living Wage employer. They join a growing movement of over 2000 employers in Scotland who together want to ensure workers have what they need to live on.

“This accreditation is a significant and welcome addition to the City of Edinburgh, which is home to other large and influential accredited Living Wage employers such as Standard Life Aberdeen, Miller Homes and Visit Scotland. The impact of the real Living Wage in tackling in-work poverty is strengthened when major anchor institutions demonstrate leadership and become Living Wage accredited.”

The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate calculated according to the costs of living and what people need to make ends meet.  It provides a voluntary benchmark for employers that choose to ensure their staff earn a wage that meets the costs and pressures they face in their everyday lives.

The rates are calculated annually by the Resolution Foundation and overseen by the Living Wage Commission, based on the best available evidence on living standards in London and the UK.

Accredited Living Wage employers in Scotland span private, public and third sectors. SMEs make up 75% of the total number of employers and more than half of Scotland’s local councils are accredited.

Sharing is caring!