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Union hails Quarriers for LivingWage pledge
Union bosses are praising a Renfrewshire social care charity for its Living Wage commitment to its workers.
Unison welcomed decision by Quarriers to pay all its staff the Scottish Living Wage of £9.30 per hour.
But the trade union is calling on Holyrood and other employers to follow in matching Quarriers’ pledge in looking after people working in the social care industry.
Mike Kirby, Unison Scottish secretary, said: “We are pleased to see Quarriers implementing the Scottish Living Wage.
“However, the Cabinet Secretary made an Easter commitment on pay in the care sector, and support for additional costs incurred as a consequence of Covid-19.
“The government money has yet to follow the promise.
“Assurances are still needed from government and CoSLA about what costs will be met and how additional resources will be committed.
“We will continue to work with other providers to ensure they follow suit and that we see money reaching the pockets of Scotland’s dedicated care workers.”
Debs Clarke, UNISON head of social care, added: “We are delighted that once again Quarriers has shown it truly values its staff.
“We are pleased this increase to £9.30 applies to all staff earning less than the Scottish Living Wage, not just those who work in adult social care. It’s time now for other employers to follow their example and pay staff fairly for the vital work they do.”
Dr Ronald Culley, chief executive of Quarriers said: “The commitment to pay the living wage is especially important this year given the dedication and bravery shown by our staff in the face of the huge operational challenges created by Covid-19.
“Quarriers believes that our transparent, fair pay policy reflects the hard work and commitment of all our staff and further recognises our alignment to the Scottish Government’s Fair Work practices.”
He added colleagues will be given the additional payment in their May pay packets, backdated to April 2020.
Quarriers believes that our transparent fair pay policy reflects the hard work and commitment of all our staff