Public Health Scotland and NHS National Services Scotland have both become accredited Living Wage employers.
Their Living Wage commitment will see everyone working at Public health Scotland and NHS National Services Scotland receive a minimum hourly wage of £9.50. This new Living Wage rate was announced on Monday as part of Living Wage Week (9-15 November 2020). The rate is higher than the statutory minimum for over 25s of
£8.72 per hour introduced in April 2020.
Throughout the pandemic, key workers in NHS organisations across Scotland have been working tirelessly to ensure the health and wellbeing of their communities. By becoming accredited Living Wage employers, Public health Scotland and NHS National Services Scotland are not only showing their commitment to the local communities in which they operate, but also to their staff who have been under incredible pressure throughout the crisis.
Colin Sinclair, Chief Executive of NHS National Services Scotland (NSS), said:
“I am delighted that NHS National Services Scotland has become an accredited Real Living Wage employer.
NSS provides services to colleagues across health and social care and it is our staff, as our prime asset, that ensure the high quality of service we hope to provide. Our staff have worked tirelessly through the COVID-19 pandemic to support colleagues across health and social care time and time again.
Our commitment to the Real Living Wage reflects how highly we value them and demonstrates that fairness and partnership remain at the heart of our NSS values.”
Angela Leitch, Chief Executive of Public Health Scotland said:
“Since Public Health Scotland was established in April, we’ve been working on all of Scotland’s public health priorities, including helping create a Scotland where we have a sustainable, inclusive economy with equality of outcomes for all.
Becoming a Living Wage accredited employer is one of the many ways we can play our part in making this happen. We hope that by taking this step to become a Living Wage employer, we can encourage other organisations to review their own practices and to play a part in reducing poverty and improving health and wellbeing for a Scotland where everybody thrives.”
Business and Fair Work Minister Jamie Hepburn said:
“I am always pleased to hear about newly accredited Living Wage employers, especially during Living Wage Week, and I congratulate NHS National Services Scotland and Public Health Scotland on achieving Living Wage Accreditation.
We have seen the vital role that these bodies and their workforce continue to play in our response to COVID-19. Ensuring staff are treated fairly by paying the real Living Wage is a key aspect of demonstrating their commitment to fair work practices.
The Scottish Government encourages all employers, regardless of size or sector, to consider paying the real Living Wage.”
Peter Kelly, Director of the Poverty Alliance said:
“We are delighted that Public health Scotland and NHS National Services Scotland have become accredited Living Wage employers. The real Living Wage is one of the key tools at our disposal to make an impact on both levels of in-work poverty and in tackling health inequalities in Scotland.
We know that the introduction of Living Wage has been associated with improvements in both the physical and mental wellbeing of workers as well as benefits for the wider society. Public health Scotland and NHS National Services Scotland are examples of NHS organisations that are committed to improving the lives of others, and we hope to see many more follow their example.”
Lynn Anderson, Living Wage Scotland Manager said:
“We are delighted to welcome Public health Scotland and NHS National Services Scotland to the Living Wage movement.
These organisations together employ more than 4 000 workers. By becoming accredited, Public health Scotland and NHS National Services Scotland are helping to set the standard for all major employers in Scotland by making sure their workers have what they need to get by, and signals to their workers that they are valued with at least the real Living Wage.
It is fantastic to be able to celebrate these accreditations during Living Wage Week, which is the annual celebration of the Living Wage movement in the UK. Public health Scotland and NHS National Services Scotland will be joining our network of more than 1800 Scottish employers who together aim to ensure that everyone can earn a decent standard of living. “