SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor has urged businesses in Coatbridge & Chryston, and wider Monklands, to sign up to the Scottish Living Wage – as the number of accredited Living Wage employers in Scotland hits 900.
The Scottish Living Wage is independently calculated based on the cost of living – with the real Living Wage currently at £8.45, above the minimum wage of £7.50 for workers aged over 25.
There are currently 31 accredited Living Wage employers in North Lanarkshire.
Fulton MacGregor pointed to the benefits of accreditation, with research showing paying the real Living Wage leads to a fall in absenteeism and a significant impact on recruitment and staff retention.
Commenting, Mr MacGregor said:
“The real Living Wage can make a huge difference to both workers and employers.
“For business, paying the Living Wage makes sense – it’s an investment in people and all the evidence shows it leads to increased productivity and reduced staff absence and turnover.
“Around 20 per cent of Scotland’s workforce earn less than the real Living Wage. With low pay one of the main drivers of in-work poverty, it’s vital that employers who can pay the real Living Wage do so.
“I would strongly encourage all employers in Coatbridge & Chryston to look into the real benefits of becoming an accredited Living Wage employer.”
Fulton MacGregor 