Edinburgh Council gains Living Wage accreditation

As part of the accreditation process the Council has now adopted the Scottish Government’s guidance on fair work practices relating to procurement, which means the Council can take into account the way in which prospective suppliers treat their employees when it comes to awarding contracts.

The accreditation process is the subject of a report which will considered by the Finance and Resources Committee on Thursday, 3 November.

Councillor Gavin Barrie, economy convener, said: “Accreditation from the Scottish Living Wage Accreditation Initiative is positive evidence that we value both our employees and those who provide services through contracts and grant funding. It also supports the Capital Coalition’s pledge to promote Edinburgh’s economic growth and prosperity.

“Research has indicated that the living wage leads to improved staff attendance, greater efficiency from workers, better staff loyalty and increased retention rates. I for one am delighted that thousands of Council staff have been benefiting for the past three years since we introduced it.

“By also adopting the Scottish Government’s guidelines on the Living Wage and procurement we are encouraging other organisations to show a positive approach to their workforce and demonstrate their commitment to fair work practices.”

Peter Kelly, director, The Poverty Alliance, said: “With over a quarter of a million adults living in in-work poverty in Scotland, it is clear that the traditional route out of poverty, work, is not working. Paying a real Living Wage is a crucial step to addressing these unacceptable levels of in-work poverty.

“I hope that other employers across the public, private and third sector follow the lead of the City of Edinburgh Council and join the growing Living Wage movement in Scotland.”

The City of Edinburgh Council introduced a Living Wage for all employees on 1 January 2013 and continues to pay a Living Wage to all relevant staff as part of the agreed overall pay settlement for Local Government employees.

The current rate Living Wage rate is £8.25 an hour. A new rate will be introduced on Monday, 31 October, and organisations have six months to implement this.