Over 250 organisations sign-up to the Glasgow Living Wage

More than 250 organisations, employing more than 70,000 people, have now signed up to the Glasgow Living Wage, it has been announced.

The city’s Living Wage has been set at £7.85 per hour and already applies to the employees of Glasgow City Council and its ALEOs (arms-length external organisations), as well as those organisations in the private and public sectors who have committed to it.

The authority was the first in Scotland to commit to paying all of its staff a living wage when it established the initiative in 2009 and promoted its payment by employers in the city.

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Gordon Matheson, recently wrote to all businesses in Glasgow urging them to support the Glasgow Living wage, by giving a commitment that all of their employees would be paid at least the Glasgow Living wage as opposed to the National Minimum Wage which is currently £6.50 per hour.

Cllr Matheson said: “I am delighted that so many employers have now signed up to the Glasgow Living Wage, a figure that no other organisation in Scotland can match.

“A Living Wage is not a political gesture - it makes a real difference to working people on low wages, as no one in full-time work should have to struggle to enjoy basic living standards. There are many benefits for employers as well. The council will constantly strive to work with all businesses within the city to ensure that Glasgow is fairer for all of its citizens and in-work poverty is reduced.”

Some of the organisations who have committed to the Glasgow Living Wage include: Forbidden Planet, Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow Housing Association, Glasgow Clyde College, Glasgow Kelvin College, The Hamilton Portfolio Limited, Lend Lease, Nationwide, NG Homes, The Prince’s Trust, Rabbie’s, Salon 61, Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Scottish Renewables, SPS Social Care and Trade Radiators.

Nicholas Auckland, Director, Trade Radiators, said: “As a supporter of higher living standards and a better Glasgow, we are happy to be associated with the Glasgow Living Wage. A Living Wage has huge benefits for employers as well as employees, with a satisfied workforce being more productive and motivated, which is great for business and customers.”

Glasgow City Council said it will also look to promote the living wage through its procurement policy, aiming to improve the conditions of workers across the city.

A Living Wage is defined as the level of income needed to provide an acceptable standard of living, to ensure good health, adequate child development and social inclusion.

More information on the Glasgow Living Wage is available here