In November 2024, Glasgow City Region launched an ambitious campaign to become a Living Wage Place – the first city region in Scotland to do so.
Backed by Living Wage Scotland, and supported by local leaders and key employers, the campaign includes targets to grow both the number of accredited Living Wage employers, and employees being paid at least the real Living Wage.
Driving the campaign is an Action Group of employers which brings together the Region’s eight local councils with NHS Boards, large businesses, charities and smaller employers.
What is 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 £12.60.
The rate is calculated annually by the Resolution Foundation and based on the wage rate necessary to ensure that households earn enough to reach a minimum acceptable living standard, as defined by the public. It is influenced by a number of different factors including:
- The level of inflation.
- The role of policy changes including taxes and benefits and means-tested benefits.
- The Minimum Income Standard (MIS) ‘basket of goods and services’, which is overseen and updated by Loughborough University.
- Assumed working hours.
More information on how the Real Living Wage is calculated can be found on the Resolution Foundation’s website.
Why become Living Wage Accredited?
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.
The same report also showed 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.
Getting Accredited
If you would like to find out more about becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer, you can contact accreditation@povertyalliance.org or visit Living Wage Scotland.
