NHS Western Isles provide a complete and comprehensive range of healthcare services to the population of the Outer Hebrides. They are one of the largest employers in the Western Isles, employing over 1,000 people.
Their Living Wage commitment will see everyone working at the NHS board, including regular workers employed through third-party suppliers, receive at least the real Living Wage of £12.60 per hour. This rate is higher than the government minimum for over 21s, which currently stands at £11.44 per hour.
Diane Macdonald, Director of Human Resources, NHS Western Isles said:
“NHS Western Isles is committed to ensuring staff are treated fairly and are paid the real Living Wage. Being a Living Wage employer is the right thing to do and shows our commitment to the financial wellbeing of our staff. Our staff go above and beyond every day to care for people in our community and deserve to be recompensed fairly.”
In Scotland, 91% of all jobs pay at least the real Living Wage, this is higher than any other UK nation. Despite this, nearly 1 in 10 jobs still pay less than the real Living Wage which equates to 234,000 jobs.
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.
Since 2011 the Living Wage movement has delivered a pay rise to over 68,000 people in Scotland and put over £600 million extra into the pockets of low paid Scottish workers.
Lynn Anderson, Living Wage Scotland Manager said:
“We’re delighted that NHS Western Isles has become an accredited Living Wage employer. They join a growing movement of employers in Scotland who recognise that the security of a real Living Wage can help create a happier, healthier and more motivated workforce.
Our Living Wage network includes employers from across all sectors and industries, and we hope to see many more join NHS Western Isles in becoming accredited.”