151 companies sign-up to ‘Scottish Business Pledge’ in six months

The pledge was announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in her first Programme for Government last year and was launched in May.

Companies who sign the pledge must commit to fair work practices including payment of the Living Wage, a rejection of zero hours contracts, investing in young people and adopting measures to promote gender equality.

Signatories to the pledge include food manufacturer Mackie’s, technology firm Microsoft, broadcaster STV and energy firm SSE.

SNP MSP Mark McDonald said: “It is remarkable that only six months after the Scottish Business Pledge was launched 151 firms have signed up and over 38,000 workers in Scotland are now covered by their employer’s commitment to fair work.

“The SNP government is committed to promoting fair work in partnership with trade unions, businesses and the third sector. In the last year, Scotland’s first ever Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work has been appointed; a Fair Work Convention has been established; and the number of businesses signed up to the Scottish Living Wage Accreditation scheme has topped 380.

“The SNP is determined to make Scotland the best place in the UK to do business and these new figures highlight the equally strong commitment of the business sector to making Scotland the best place to work.I would encourage more businesses across Scotland to show their commitment to this approach by signing up to the Scottish Business Pledge.”