Bus company driving efforts to tackle in-work poverty across city
Lothian Buses is accredited as a Living Wage employer
Lothian Buses, the UK’s largest municipal bus company, has been accredited as a Living Wage employer.
The commitment will see everyone working at Lothian Buses receive a minimum hourly wage of £12 per hour – higher than the government minimum for over-21s, which currently stands at £11.44 per hour.
Owned by Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian councils, the organisation is one of the region’s largest employers with over 2,500 staff.
As a key employer in Edinburgh, Lothian Buses accreditation is seen to strengthen the ambition to make it a Living Wage city and the drive to tackle in-work poverty across the Capital.
The only UK wage rate calculated according to the cost of living, the real Living Wage is paid by employers on a voluntary basis, recognising the value of their workers and ensuring that a hard day’s work receives a fair day’s pay.
Lothian managing director Sarah Boyd said: “Lothian strive to be a caring, reputable and trustworthy organisation that current and prospective employees actively choose to work for.
“Our people are the heart of our business, and as an accredited Living Wage employer, we are committed to paying our people a wage that makes them feel valued and appreciated, as well as ensuring it accurately reflects the real cost of living.”
Welcoming the news, Councillor Scott Arthur, Edinburgh Council’s Transport and Environment
I expect nothing less from one of Edinburgh's biggest and best employers
Convener, said: “I expect nothing less from one of Edinburgh's biggest and best employers.
"Edinburgh is proudly leading the Living Wage movement, and only last month we announced a record number of Living Wage employers based in Edinburgh.”
Rachel MorrisonMcCormick, Living Wage Scotland Projects Coordinator, added: “We’re delighted that Lothian Buses has become an accredited
Living Wage employer. As one of the largest employers in the region their commitment to paying a real Living Wage sets an example, and will ensure that workers and their families can earn what they need to live on.”