Living wage for Highland Council employees by April 2013

The lowest paid employees of The Highland Council will benefit from the introduction of a £7.20 an hour wage from April next year.

Members of the Council’s Finance, Housing and Resources Committee today agreed to introduce the Scottish Living Wage by applying a living wage supplement to all employees currently paid less than £7.20 per hour to bring them up to £7.20 per hour from 1 April 2013.

Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Drew Hendry said: “This early delivery of a Programme commitment is great news for the Highlands. I am extremely pleased to announce the Highland Council apprentices will be included in our living wage proposals. This shows a commitment to young people in the Highlands in providing the right start for them.”

Councillor Dave Fallows, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Finance, Housing and Resources Committee welcomed the move towards the introduction of a living wage for all council employees, he said: “The living wage is a clear commitment in the Programme for The Highland Council. By introducing a living wage of £7.20 per hour, we are not only helping our lowest paid workers but we also improving the economy of the Highlands by increasing the income of those who live and work in the area.”

Highland Council Youth Convener, John Erskine congratulated the Council on its swift implementation of its manifesto commitment, he said: “I’m delighted to see that Highland Council has backed the living wage for all employees regardless of age and to see that this commitment will include apprentices. I think it shows the council and its Administration are in touch with the issues and concerns of young people who are typically at the lower end of the pay scale and will benefit greatly from this change. Today was a great first step forward to ensure better pay and wages for all in the Highlands.”

Members also agreed that the living wage supplement will be subject to annual review by the Council; and that the Council will begin formal consultation with the trade unions on proposals to introduce monthly pay for all employees.

The introduction of the living wage will benefit over 600 Council staff, 90% of whom are female as well as an estimated 15 apprentices in Housing and Property, and TEC Services.

The cost of introducing the living wage for the Council is estimated at £322k per annum. This includes pension and National Insurance costs.