More employers are becoming Living Hours accredited in Scotland, with Bruichladdich Distillery the latest company the make this commitment. Based on Islay, Bruichladdich is the first distillery to be accredited in the United Kingdom.
The 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.
Bruichladdich Distillery has been an accredited Living Wage employer since November 2019. This announcement of their commitment to Living Hours further demonstrates the importance they place on setting standards for fair work.
Douglas Taylor, CEO at Bruichladdich Distillery, said:
“Investing in staff wellbeing and workplace satisfaction should be every business’s single biggest priority. The Living Hours accreditation is just one of the ways we demonstrate how we are putting staff welfare first, ensuring a fair and secure working environment. This has helped us build an engaged team, who are aligned with our values and proud to work here.”
Research published last year by the Living Wage Foundation showed that 11% of workers in Scotland are in insecure work and paid below the Living Wage. This is approximately 300,000 workers. The Living Hours standard was created to ensure that people have predictable working patterns and income, enabling them to better plan their lives.
In July 2021 Living Wage Scotland began delivering the Living Hours accreditation programme to increase the number of Scottish employers recognised for offering Living Hours alongside a real Living Wage. The scheme is delivered through the Living Wage Scotland programme at the Poverty Alliance and is funded by the Scottish Government.
Christine McCaig from Living Wage Scotland said:
“There are over 2800 Scottish-based employers that are committed to paying at least the real Living Wage, and it’s fantastic to see Bruichladdich Distillery 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.”