Glasgow City Region celebrates 200th new Living Wage accredited employer on the first anniversary of the Living Wage Place campaign

This Living Wage Week, Glasgow City Region is marking a major milestone in its campaign to become a Living Wage Place, surpassing its ambitious year one target of 200 new Living Wage accredited employers in the Region.

Glasgow City Region launched the campaign to Make Glasgow City Region a Living Wage Place in November 2024 – the first city region in Scotland to do so.

Since its launch, more than 200 new businesses have become accredited in Glasgow City Region, and wages have been uplifted for almost 2,000 workers.

Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet, said: “Making sure that employees are paid fairly for their work is at the heart of a more equal, stronger, and resilient economy.

“It’s really welcome that in our first year 200 new employers have signed up to paying the real Living Wage. That’s is a significant achievement and a reflection of the collaboration which is driving the Glasgow City Region forward.

“Paying the real Living Wage has multiple benefits – for individual workers and for employers. It helps increase productivity, tackles in-work poverty, and strengthens the growing reputation of our Regional economy.”

Backed by Living Wage Scotland and supported by local leaders and key employers, the campaign involves working closely with businesses, local authorities and third sector organisations. Driving the campaign is an Action Group of employers, bringing together the Region’s eight councils with NHS Boards, large businesses, charities and smaller employers.

The collective commitment by the local councils and influential employers in the Region to tackle low pay supports ambitions within the Region’s Economic Strategy to drive inclusive growth and productivity – challenges specific to the Regional economy.

Rachel Morrison-McCormick, Living Wage Projects Coordinator said: “Congratulations to the Glasgow City Region Action Group on achieving 200 new accreditations in the first year of their action plan.

“It has been fantastic to see so many new employers from across the Region join us as we work to tackle in work poverty and bring more employees onto a wage that meets their everyday needs.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Action Group to grow the number of accredited employers in the city and call on more employers to join the movement, ensuring more workers across the Glasgow City Region can earn at least the real Living Wage.”

The real Living Wage is an independently calculated rate based on the cost of living and is paid voluntarily by employers.

The rate is currently £13.45 and is calculated annually by the Resolution Foundation on an analysis of the wage needed to afford the basket of goods required for a decent standard of living. This includes housing, childcare, transport and heating costs.

There are currently over 1,300 accredited Living Wage Employers in Glasgow City Region. The Making Glasgow City Region a Living Wage Place Action Group have been working to increase that number to almost 2,000 over the next three years, boosting the number of workers in the Region earning at least the real Living Wage by at least 7,500.

Andrew McLay, Director, McLays Foods, said: “Becoming an accredited Living Wage employer was important for us to recognise the hard work and dedication of our staff.

“We wanted to ensure our team are paid fairly for the work they do and valued for their commitment.

“We also see Living Wage accreditation as essential to rewarding and retaining skilled, motivated employees, helping us to attract and retain employees who want to grow with the business.”

Research has shown that Living Wage Accredited Employers have made savings on retention, recruitment and training new staff, and 94% of employers have reported having benefited from Living Wage accreditation. They also report increased morale and motivation resulting in increased productivity. For employees, the real Living Wage allows people the opportunity to provide for their families and plan for the future. Employees feel valued and appreciated, making them more motivated and loyal to their employer.

Ryan Williamson, Driver at McLays Foods, said: “Being paid the real Living Wage makes a big difference to me. It means I know I can get by month to month more comfortably and still have that bit extra left over to take the kids out.”

Evidence also shows that those paid below the Living Wage are more likely to be women and work part-time, and low pay is recognised to be more common in specific sectors including hospitality, retail, and manufacturing.

Anthony Hale, CEO of Usave – the 200th employer to accredit in Glasgow City Region, said: “I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come at Usave, thanks to the dedication and hard work of our people.

“Becoming a Living Wage Employer was an easy decision – it’s about valuing everyone who drives our success. This year we’ve welcomed three brilliant graduates to the team, and it’s inspiring to see the next generation grow with us.

“I want Usave to be a place where people feel supported, proud, and excited to be part of what we’re building together.”

Over the next year, the Region will continue to grow the campaign to become a Living Wage Place – encouraging accreditation among key sectors, and helping to uplift even more employees.

For more information about becoming an accredited Living Wage employer, visit: www.livingwagescotland.org or email accreditation@povertyalliance.org.