Julie Philips, an advanced public health practitioner with NHS Grampian describes their Living Wage journey.
NHS Grampian want to create a health and care system that meets today’s needs, prevents illness and is sustainable for the future. Our aim is to help you to stay healthier for longer by accessing the right care in the right place at the right time. Serving the North East and the population of Grampian including Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray. When you think of the NHS, you probably picture doctors, nurses, and the care we all rely on. But behind the scenes, there’s another story unfolding at NHS Grampian – one about fairness, opportunity, and the power of pay to change lives.
Three years ago, we became an accredited Living Wage Employer. At the time, we were already meeting the national minimum requirements, but we wanted to go further. Why? Because we believe that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay and that paying people properly is one of the most powerful ways to support health and wellbeing in our communities.
More Than Just a Payslip
The real Living Wage is different from the government minimum. It’s a voluntary rate of pay calculated based on what people need to live – food, rent, transport, the basics of everyday life. Right now, that means £12.60 an hour, compared to the statutory £12.21 for over21s.
By committing to the real Living Wage, we’ve ensured that everyone working with us, including regular third-party contracted staff, earns at least this rate – and the benefits have been clear:
- Staff feel more valued and supported
- Retention and recruitment have improved
- Productivity and engagement are on the rise
- Our reputation as an Anchor employer has grown stronger
As our Head of Workforce and Development puts it:
“Offering the real Living Wage makes sense for our staff and for the organisation. It helps with the cost of living, supports recruitment and retention, and shows that we value our people.”
Real Stories, Real Impact
The most powerful feedback comes from our people themselves. Apprentices have told us how the Living Wage has made a difference:
- “This wage uplift has been very beneficial. With rising costs, it’s allowed me to keep buying essentials like food and fuel.”
- “I’m grateful that this puts more money in my pocket at the end of each month.”
These aren’t just numbers on a payslip — they’re stories of young people starting their careers with a little more security and confidence.
Recognition and Momentum
Since accreditation, we’ve been proud to see our efforts recognised nationally. In 2022, we were nominated in the Newcomer Category at the Real Living Wage Awards, and in 2023, we won the Outstanding Leadership Award.
But this isn’t just about us. We’re working with other employers across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire to encourage 150 new Living Wage accreditations over the next three years. Together, we can tackle in-work poverty and build a more just and compassionate society.
Looking Ahead
Being a Living Wage Employer is about more than pay. It’s about values. It’s about saying that the people who keep our health and care system running, from apprentices to experienced staff, deserve to be recognised and rewarded fairly.
As an Anchor organisation, we’ll keep using our influence to:
- Champion fair pay across sectors
- Support local employers to join the movement
- Help reduce child and family poverty through income focused initiatives
Because when people are paid fairly, they’re healthier, happier, and more motivated — and that benefits us all.
Three years in, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved. But this is just the beginning. Fair pay is not only good for staff — it’s good for communities, for employers, and for the future of health and care across the North East of Scotland.