Over 3000 employers across Scotland are now accredited as Living Wage employers. This includes household names such as SSE, ENABLE Scotland and the University of Strathclyde, while 75% of the network is made up of SMEs.
Living Wage Employers commit to paying the independently calculated Living Wage rates (currently £10.90 in the UK) to all directly employed staff as well as contracted third-party staff.
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.
This rate was announced on Thursday 22nd September 2022 in response to the cost-of-living crisis. This rate is significantly higher than the government minimum for over 23s, which currently stands at £9.50 per hour.
Despite several difficult years, the Living Wage movement across Scotland has seen record growth. This is a testament to over 3000 employers who have built and maintained the network and who are committed to ensuring that everyone who works for them earns a wage that meets the cost of living.
Craig Hume, Managing Director of Utopia Computers said:
“As the Living Wage movement celebrates 3000 accredited employers across Scotland, it serves as a reminder that paying a fair wage is a moral imperative and a wise business decision. At Utopia, we understand that investing in our team through the real Living Wage improves their standard of living, enhances productivity, reduces turnover, and strengthens Utopia’s reputation as a responsible and ethical employer.”
In Scotland, 91% of all jobs pay at least the real Living Wage, this is higher than any other UK nation. Despite this, 9% of jobs still pay less than the real Living Wage, this equates to 221,000 jobs.
Since 2011 the Living Wage movement has delivered a pay rise to over 60,000 people in Scotland and put over £370 million extra into the pockets of low-paid Scottish workers.
Sarah Holmes Student Staff Member at Strathclyde Students’ Union said:
“As a full-time student in their final year, I did not think it was possible to find a job that would allow me to live away from home without impacting my studies. Working for a real Living Wage employer has done just that. I am able to work alongside my studies while enjoying the social aspects of student life that without the real Living Wage, I would have neither the time nor money for.”
Lynn Anderson, Living Wage Scotland Manager said:
“We’re delighted to be celebrating over 3000 accredited Living Wage employers in Scotland who together want to ensure workers have what they need. With prices rising higher than ever, it has never been more important that employers commit to at least the real Living Wage
Our Living Wage employer network includes well known organisations such as SSE plc, ENABLE Scotland and the University of Strathclyde as well as lots of smaller employers and we hope to see many more follow their example.”