Edinburgh Women’s Aid, which provides support for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, celebrates being awarded the Living Wage Employer mark on its 50th anniversary with a visit from Elena Whitham, Minister for Community Safety.
The accreditation awarded by Living Wage Scotland, is in recognition of the commitment by EWA, who have been helping families for the past five decades with everything from legal support to a safe place to stay in a refuge, to pay their staff the real Living Wage.
The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate calculated according to the costs of living. Employers choose to pay the real Living Wage on a voluntary basis, recognising the value of their workers and ensuring that a hard day’s work receives a fair day’s pay.
The visit took place at EWA in Stockbridge where Elena Whitham, Minister for Community Safety, was given a tour of the offices, an insight into the services and support provided and also met teams in various departments including Edinburgh Domestic Abuse Court Support and Children and Young People’s Service.
Elena also met with EWA’s finance manager, Nicola Dhanda, who project managed the Living Wage accreditation process and administration apprentice, Holly Cathcart and Yoana Tsenova, who is on a six-month student placement from Napier University, who both also receive the real Living Wage.
Elena Whitham, Minister for Community Safety, said:
“By announcing its accreditation as a Living Wage employer, Edinburgh Women’s Aid is showing a commitment to fair work and its staff. Paying the real Living wage ensures workers have more money in their pockets and research shows it boosts staff morale, contributes to worker wellbeing and job satisfaction which in turn improves retention rates and reduces recruitment costs.
For over 50 years Edinburgh Women’s Aid has been at the forefront of providing support, advocacy and refuge to women and children affected by domestic abuse. As part of today I want to acknowledge that significant contribution and to recognise that we all have an important and sadly continuing role to play in eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls.
I commend Edinburgh Women’s Aid in achieving a significant milestone, and I encourage all employers regardless of size or sector to follow their example and consider becoming an accredited real Living Wage employer.”
Lynn Anderson, Manager, Living Wage Scotland said:
“Congratulations to Edinburgh Women’s Aid as they mark their 50th anniversary this year. We are delighted to see them host Minister Elena Whitham as part of their celebrations to highlight their commitment to the real Living Wage and show some of the wonderful work which they are undertaking to support women across the capital.”