Scottish Canals has become the 700th Scottish-based Living Wage accredited employer. Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work Keith Brown made the announcement while visiting Scottish Canals at the Falkirk Wheel where he met staff benefitting from their commitment to fair work principles.
The Scottish Government has set a target of reaching 1,000 Scottish-based Living Wage Accredited Employers by autumn 2017.
Mr Brown said: “This is a significant step in our drive to promote fairer working environments for Scottish employees and ensures people’s basic wage continues to meet the real cost of living. Paying the Real Living Wage makes sense for businesses. It’s an investment in people and all the evidence shows it leads to increased productivity and reduced staff absence, while sending a strong signal to customers about fairness.
“I am particularly pleased that Scottish Canals has made this commitment, setting a good example to other firms around the country – the 70th company to do so since the beginning of Living Wage Week in October 2016.
“We will continue to work with the ‘Scottish Living Wage Accreditation Initiative’ to encourage more businesses to recognise the benefits of paying the Real Living Wage as we move towards meeting our target of reaching 1,000 Living Wage accredited employers by autumn 2017.”
Andrew Thin, Chair of Scottish Canals, said: “We are proud to be a Scottish Living Wage accredited employer. Thanks to our dedicated workforce, Scotland’s canals are in the midst of a renaissance and are making an increasingly vital contribution to the nation’s economy in the form of tourism, place making, and job creation. Our staff are central to ensuring our inland waterways continue to deliver all they can for all of the people of Scotland and, as a public body, it’s only right that we celebrate and give fair reward for that hard work.”
Peter Kelly, Director, The Poverty Alliance said: “Congratulations to Scottish Canals on becoming the 700th Living Wage employer in Scotland. The movement for the real Living Wage is growing ever more powerful and reaches across the private, public and third sectors in Scotland.
“The Poverty Alliance believe that by paying the real Living Wage, one which reflects the actual cost of living, progressive employers are having a positive impact in the lives of families and communities. It’s good for people and it’s also good for businesses as it can boost an employer’s brand, productivity, and improve the retention of staff.”
The new Real Living Wage rate was announced at the end of October 2016 as £8.45 an hour.
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