Low-paid Scottish workers urged to check pay

Full-time workers in Scotland being paid the legal minimum rate have lost out on more than £8,000 over the last five years compared to those on the so-called Real Living Wage, according to an industry body.

Workers are being urged to check their pay packets as the National Living Wage rises by 2.2% to £8.91 tomorrow.

The rise will benefit around 147,000 Scots and will also be given to 23 and 24-year-olds for the first time.

However, since its introduction more than five years ago, research by the Living Wage Foundation found a full-time worker north of the border on the legal minimum has lost out on £8,400 compared to those earning the Real Living Wage.

The Real Living Wage stands at £9.50 across Scotland and a full-time worker over the age of 23 earning this will receive £1,150 more over the coming year compared to a worker earning the minimum wage.

It is voluntarily paid by more than 1,900 Scottish employers who “choose to go beyond the government minimum”.

According to the Poverty Alliance, around 300 companies have signed up for Living Wage accreditation since the first coronavirus lockdown last March.

Its director Peter Kelly said: “Thousands of workers in Scotland earning the legal minimum wage rates rely on legislation to secure an essential pay increase each year.

“Even the highest statutory wage rate – the national living wage of £8.91 – will not protect workers from in-work poverty.

“Decent pay and conditions for workers must be at the heart of our recovery as we rebuild our economy.”