Robert Mackie of Scotland has accredited as a Living Wage employer. Their Living Wage commitment will see everyone working there receive a minimum hourly wage of £12.60 per hour. This rate is higher than the government minimum for over 21s, which currently stands at £12.21 per hour.
Based in East Ayrshire’s Stewarton and established in 1845, Robert Mackie of Scotland originally producing tradition of Scottish bonnets but is now a bespoke maker of fine quality knitted accessories including hats, scarves, gloves and more. Currently employing over 80 people and with an emphasis on sustainably sourced, local and 100% natural yarns, they are proud of their heritage and place as a truly ‘Made in Scotland’ producer.
Graeme Haddow, Managing Director said:
“If Robert Mackie of Scotland did not have the right team of employees, the Company would not be where we are today, so it is important to reward and value employees. By paying the real Living Wage, we think we do that.”
An employee from Robert Mackie of Scotland said:
“Since receiving the real Living Wage, I feel more valued.”
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 Robert Mackie of Scotland 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 Robert Mackie of Scotland in going further than the minimum.”