Lifelink has become the latest accredited Living Hours employer in Scotland. Lifelink are a social enterprise offering mental health support services to young people and adults living in Glasgow City and the West of Scotland.
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.
Lifelink has been an accredited Living Wage employer since 2016. This announcement of their commitment to Living Hours further demonstrates the importance they place on setting standards for fair work.
Research published this month 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.
Jacqui Taylor, Chief Executive, Lifelink:
“Having been a Living Wage accredited employer for a number of years, we’re delighted to take another step and announce our accreditation as a Living Hours employer. We join a diverse group of employers across Scotland that are committed to the wellbeing and living standards of their employees. As an organisation that supports mental health, we know the positive impact that predictable and fair working arrangements can have, and we’re proud to uphold these standards for our own workforce.”
Jennifer Gordon, HR Director, Lifelink:
“Our progression to becoming a Living Hours employer will not only benefit our existing staff but also mean that our recruitment moving forward is so much stronger, because prospective employees will know that we’re committed to setting a standard for fair work. I’d encourage anyone with a role in HR in their organisation to look at the steps they can take to become both a Living Wage and a Living Hours employer.
Christine McCaig, Projects Co-Ordinator, from Living Wage Scotland said:
“There are over 3000 Scottish-based employers that are committed to paying at least the real Living Wage, and it’s fantastic to see Lifelink 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.”