Social Security Scotland has become the first Living Hours accredited employer in Dundee City.
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.
Social Security Scotland Chief Executive, David Wallace, said:
“We’re very pleased to have been certified as the first Dundee Living Hours Employer by the Living Wage Foundation. With our head office, being based on Dundee waterfront, this accreditation is another way for us to positively contribute to the regeneration of the city centre.
“We are proud to be at the forefront of an initiative which is trying to tackle the impact of insecure work. Our commitments include providing our colleagues with a guaranteed minimum of 16 hours work a week, notice of scheduled working days at least four weeks in advance and a contract that reflects the hours they work.
“Having already been recognised as a Living Wage Employer in 2019, we continue to put our values of dignity, fairness and respect at the heart of how we treat every one of our colleagues.”
Social Security Scotland’s accreditation has been welcomed by the campaign to Make Dundee a Living Wage City.
The Agency is a member of the Dundee Living Wage Action Group, employers based in the city who are all Living Wage accredited and work together to promote paying the real Living Wage.
Dundee City Council’s Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure convener, Councillor Steven Rome said:
“I am delighted to hear that Social Security Scotland are the first Living Hours accredited employer in Dundee.
“This is a major milestone and I am proud of the efforts of Living Wage Scotland and the Dundee action group in helping Social Security Scotland make this pledge a reality.
“I hope this will encourage other public sector organisations and businesses in the city to do likewise.
“It is vital that we work with our major employers in Dundee to guide them through the accreditation process. Living Hours guarantees secure working hours and shift patterns alongside a real Living Wage, this makes employees feel valued and offers more security and stability.”
Rachel Morrison-McCormick, Projects Coordinator, Living Wage Scotland said:
“There are now more than 3,600 Scottish-based employers committed to paying at least the real Living Wage, and it’s fantastic to see Social Security Scotland take further steps to protect their team 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 people need it most.”