Renfrewshire North and West MSP Natalie Don-Innes has urged more local businesses to become accredited real Living Wage employers, saying fair pay is vital to help tackle poverty and boost the local economy.
Speaking at the start of Living Wage Week, the SNP MSP said she was proud that Scotland now leads the UK in the number of employers voluntarily paying the real Living Wage — currently set at £13.45 an hour.
Ms Don-Innes said: “Ensuring people are paid fairly is crucial to keep people out of poverty, and the real Living Wage helps to make sure that salaries keep pace with the cost of living which has continued to rise under this Labour government.
“It is hugely welcome that more and more organisations here in Renfrewshire and across Scotland are paying the real Living Wage.
“Not only does the real Living Wage help people with the rising cost of living, it improves staff retention and motivation and helps to increase spending in local economies, in turn boosting economic growth.
“I would encourage more businesses here in Renfrewshire to recognise the benefits for employers and employees and sign up.
“I am proud that Scotland has such a high number of organisations opting to pay the real Living Wage and that the Scottish Government is an accredited real Living Wage employer. I would urge Labour to follow our lead by implementing the real Living Wage in the UK Government.”