A record 4,000 employers in Scotland are now paying their staff
at least the real Living Wage, boosting the salaries of 72,000
employees and supporting them with rising costs.
The milestone has been reached at the start of Living Wage Week,
which celebrates the transformative impact the real living wage
can have for workers and businesses alike, and encourages
employers to sign up.
The Scottish Government has made paying the real Living Wage a
requirement for organisations receiving public grants, helping to
increase the number of people benefiting from a salary boost.
First Minister said:
“Ensuring people are paid fairly is crucial to keep people out of
poverty. The real Living Wage helps to make sure that salaries
keep pace with the rising cost of living - supporting a fairer,
more equal society.
“Paying the real Living Wage has significant benefits for
employers, including improving staff retention and motivation. It
also helps to increase spending in local economies, in turn
boosting economic growth.
“I am pleased that we now have now reached a record accredited
real Living Wage 4,000 employers, meaning that Scotland has
proportionately around five times as many real Living Wage
employers compared to the rest of the UK. That is very positive
news, and we will continue to encourage more businesses to sign
up – recognising the benefits for employers and employees alike.”
The First Minister announced the milestone on a visit to
Edinburgh's Capital City Partnership. The Partnership work to
tackle inequalities and support people into employment,
recognising the important role of the real Living Wage in this.
Rona Hunter, Chief Executive, Capital City Partnership said:
“Capital City Partnerships is committed to the Living Wage as
part of our remit to tackle poverty and inequality and raise
household incomes. This commitment is also based on our work
with supporting employers, where we see how accreditation hugely
helps employers to attract and retain staff and improves
productivity and staff well-being. The benefits are real and
measurable and it supports people and business.”
Background
Living Wage Week | Living Wage
Scotland
Living Wage Week is an annual event which celebrates and promotes
the real Living Wage. It raises awareness about the difference
the rate makes for workers, their families, and communities, and
encourages more employers to become accredited by paying the
independently calculated wage.
The real Living Wage rate increased from £12.60 to £13.45 an hour
in October 2025.
What is the real Living Wage? |
Living Wage Scotland
