We continue to put staff welfare first by paying real Living Wage early

Around 3,000 businesses are already real Living Wage accredited in Scotland and, as a result of this commitment, more than 60,000 workers across the country will receive a pay rise.

Here in North Ayrshire, more than 50 employers pay the real Living Wage.

The hourly pay rate is independently calculated by the Resolution Foundation – based on what people in the UK need to earn to afford a decent standard of living – and is paid voluntarily by employers.The price of childcare, transport, heating and housing are all taken into account when the rate is set.

The rate for 2024, overseen by the Living Wage Commission, has been announced today (October 24) as £12, an increase of £1.10, and employers have six months – until April next year – to implement this.

The Council has been a real Living Wage Employer since 2011 and continues to champion the real Living Wage cause so that staff feel they are valued, and their well-being is important.

Council Leader Marie Burns is chair of the Tackling Child Poverty and Cost of Living Board, which is working tirelessly with community partner organisations and residents to find ways to make life easier for people.

She said: “As a local authority, our employees’ well-being and standard of living are paramount to us. Many people continue to face challenging times during the Cost-of-Living Crisis, and paying this increased rate can help make a big difference.

“It is important that we start paying the rate as soon as we can. Paying this new 2024 rate of £12 straight away is crucial to ensuring staff earn a wage they can actually live on and have a decent standard of life.”

The announcement will have a positive impact on 788 Council employees in predominantly frontline roles.

Living Wage Week runs from November 6 to 12, and you can find out what is happening by using #LivingWageWeek on social media.

To find out more about the Real Living Wage, go online to https://scottishlivingwage.org/