We are incredibly proud to become one of a small group of organisations in East Lothian to be accreditated as a Living Wage Employer. Our Living Wage commitment will see everyone working at East Lothian Foodbank receive a minimum hourly wage of £9.50. This rate is significantly higher than the government minimum for over 23s, which currently stands at £8.91 per hour.
In Scotland, more than 15% of all jobs pay less than the real Living Wage – around 350,000 jobs. Despite this, East Lothian Foodbank has committed to pay the real Living Wage and deliver a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work
The real Living Wage is a vital standard that helps ensure people are protected from poverty. The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate calculated according to the costs of living. Employers choose to pay the real Living Wage on a voluntary basis, recognising the value of their workers and ensuring that a hard day’s work receives a fair day’s pay.
Since 2011 the Living Wage movement has delivered a pay rise to over 45000 people in Scotland and put over £240 million extra into the pockets of low paid Scottish workers.
Elaine Morrison, Manager at East Lothian Foodbank, discussed the significance of this achievement for the foodbank
“We believe that if someone is doing a day’s work, they should be a paid a proper wage. We know that hunger isn’t about food, it’s about people not having enough money for the basics. We would like to live in a society where food charity is not needed, where everybody has a job that pays them a living wage and a social security system that means those who are not able to work are supported adequately without the need for foodbanks. Being able to earn a living wage is key to this. We were committed to achieving this for the empowerment and betterment of our staff, and to ensure that they know that the work they do in what can be a very challenging environment is valued.”
Peter Kelly, Director of The Poverty Alliance said
“Too many workers in Scotland are in the grip of poverty and employers choosing to pay at least the real Living Wage can loosen that grip. Payment of the real Living Wage allows those in work to become more included in society, better meet their everyday needs, and feel that their value and hard work is recognised by their employer. Congratulations to East Lothian Foodbank on their Living Wage commitment, and I hope more organisations follow their lead by becoming Living Wage accredited.”
Lynn Anderson, Living Wage Scotland Manager said
“We’re delighted that East Lothian Foodbank has become an accredited Living Wage employer. They join a growing movement of over 1900 employers in Scotland who together want to ensure workers have what they need to thrive.”
We are incredibly proud to be a real Living Wage employer and would encourage more local organisations to sign up to the Living Wage and help us move towards a more independent and sustainable community.