WGM Engineering (WGM) has accredited as a Living Wage employer. Their Living Wage commitment will see everyone working at WGM receive a minimum hourly wage of £13.45 per hour. This rate is higher than the government minimum for over 21s, which currently stands at £12.21 per hour.
WGM Engineering is a self-delivery design and build partner, supplying sustainable solutions to the water sector. Based in Glasgow and Livingston, WGM Engineering employ over 500 staff and this accreditation demonstrates their commitment to ensuring all employees earn a wage that meets the real cost of living.
Ian Kelso, Director of Procurement said:
“At WGM Engineering Ltd, we are proud to become a Living Wage employer. This commitment reflects our belief that our people are our greatest asset and that everyone deserves to earn a wage that meets the true cost of living. By adopting the Living Wage, we aim to recognise the hard work and dedication of our team, support their wellbeing, and contribute positively to our communities. We believe this step not only benefits our colleagues but also strengthens our company for the future.”
Lynn Anderson, Living Wage Scotland Manager said:
“We’re delighted that WGM Engineering 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 WGM Engineering in going further than the minimum.”
In Scotland, 88.6% of all jobs pay at least the real Living Wage, this is higher than any other UK nation. Yet the number of jobs paid below the real Living Wage has increased in recent years and now, over 1 in 10 jobs in Scotland pay less than the real Living Wage which equates to 288,000 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 72,000 people in Scotland and put over £680 million extra into the pockets of low paid Scottish workers.