Living Wage Week: Council calls on employers to pay real Living Wage
We're encouraging local employers to pay their staff the real Living Wage and we're offering funding to cover the cost of accreditation for the first year.
The real Living Wage is an independently calculated rate based on the cost of living and is paid voluntarily by employers. The rate is currently £10.90 per hour, and is calculated each year on an analysis of the wage that employees need to earn in order to afford a decent standard of living.
For employees, the real Living Wage allows the opportunity to provide for their families and plan for the future, while employers have seen that it improves morale and motivation, which in turn reduces staff turnover and increases productivity. There are currently 30 employers who have signed up to pay the real Living Wage in East Renfrewshire, across the public, private and third sector, including the Council and local employer who've recently signed up, J&M Murdoch.
Andrew Murdoch Managing Director of J&M Murdoch & Son Ltd said: 'We at J&M Murdoch & Son Ltd are a proud family owned business, we pride ourselves on our family values which include paying our employees and contractors across the board a fair wage, especially in today's climate of uncertainty. We are happy to be part of the accreditation scheme.'
Businesses can apply online to become an accredited real Living Wage employer and the Council is offering funding to cover the cost of accreditation through the Scottish Government's Local Authority Covid-19 Economic Recovery fund.
Environment Convener Councillor Danny Devlin said: 'By paying a wage that accurately reflects the cost of living, we can help create a more just and compassionate society. The real Living Wage has been successful in freeing thousands of people from the grip of in-work poverty, so I am delighted that we are offering this funding and would encourage as many local employers as possible to join East Renfrewshire Council in signing up.'
To find out more visit scottishlivingwage.org/ and to access the accreditation funding, contact Business Gateway East Renfrewshire on 0141 530 2407 or laura.brown1@bgateway.com.
