SCOTTISH LIVING WAGE EMPLOYER NUMBERS RISE BY OVER 30% SINCE 2017

SNP MSP Christina McKelvie has urged businesses in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse to sign up to the Scottish Living Wage – as part of Living Wage Week.  

The Scottish Living Wage is independently calculated based on the cost of living – with the real Living Wage rising by 25p to £9, above the minimum wage of £7.83 for workers aged over 25.

There are currently 65 accredited Living Wage employers in South Lanarkshire Council’s area.

Christina has written to employers in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse encouraging them to explore the benefits of accreditation, with research showing paying the real Living Wage leads to a fall in absenteeism and a significant impact on recruitment and staff retention. 

Commenting, Christina said:

“The real Living Wage can make a huge difference to both workers and employers.

“For business, paying the Living Wage makes sense - it’s an investment in people and all the evidence shows it leads to increased productivity and reduced staff absence and turnover.

“It is completely unacceptable that the UK government did not use last week’s Budget to raise the National Living Wage, extend it to all workers and end discrimination against young people.  With low pay one of the main drivers of in-work poverty, it is vital that employers who can pay the real Living Wage do so.

“I would strongly encourage all employers in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse to look into the real benefits of becoming an accredited Living Wage employer.”