Four Pillars becomes first Accredited Living Hours Employer in Aberdeen

30 July 2024

Four Pillars, a charity supporting the LGBT+ community in mental, emotional, physical and sexual health matters, has become the first Living Hours accredited employer in Aberdeen City. 

Four Pillars has been an accredited Living Wage employer since 2021 and this announcement of their commitment to Living Hours further demonstrates the importance they place on setting standards for fair work. This accreditation also builds on the work by the campaign to Make Aberdeen a Living Wage City, giving workers the security they need. 

Living Hours accreditation requires employers to pay the real Living Wage to all their employees over the age of 18 and commit to providing at least four weeks’ notice for every shift, with guaranteed payment if shifts are cancelled within this notice period. 

Living Hours employers also provide a guaranteed minimum of 16 hours every week (unless the worker requests otherwise), and a contract that accurately reflects hours worked. 

Deejay Bullock, Chief Executive Officer, Four Pillars said:  

“At Four Pillars, we embrace a holistic approach to well-being, extending this philosophy to our staff as well. Given the current economic climate and cost of living crisis, we are committed to finding more efficient and sustainable practices to ensure a fair and balanced workplace. 

We are proud to be a real Living Wage employer and even more so to be the first accredited Living Hours employer in Aberdeen.”  

Andrew Alleway, Managing Director of Tidy Green Clean and Chair of the Aberdeen Living Wage City Action group said: 

“Congratulations to Four Pillars on becoming the first company in the city to achieve Living Hours accreditation. Your dedication to creating a supportive and sustainable workplace, sets a benchmark for others in our community to follow. Well done on this outstanding accomplishment!” 

Rachel Morrison-McCormick, Projects Coordinator, Living Wage Scotland said: 

“There are over 3600 Scottish-based employers that are committed to paying at least the real Living Wage, and it’s fantastic to see Four Pillars take further steps to protect their workers from low pay and insecure work by becoming Living Hours accredited. 

The values that led them to commit to the real Living Wage are the same values that have led to their expanded commitment to fair work at a time when workers need it most.” 

Research published by the Living Wage Foundation showed that over 9% of workers in Scotland are in insecure work and paid below the Living Wage. This is approximately 250,000 workers. The Living Hours standard was created to ensure that people have predictable working patterns and income, enabling them to better plan their lives. 

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