Council hailed for its living wage move

Work: Poverty Alliance hopes other employers across Perthshire will follow suit

Perth and Kinross Council has been accredited as a living wage employer by the Poverty Alliance.

The local authority said the move would show it was committed to fair working practices.

The Poverty Alliance added that it hoped the move would encourage other employers across the region to follow suit.

The living wage is a voluntary hourly rate of pay set independently and updated annually. It is calculated according to the basic cost of living in the UK and is currently £8.25 per hour.

The national minimum wage is £7.20 for those over 25.

The council believes that payment of the living wage will not only benefit employees, but is a significant indicator of the employer’s commitment to fair work practices.

The council’s chief operating officer, JohnWalker, said: “We are very pleased to receive living wage accreditation.

“Perth and Kinross Council is fully committed to supporting this excellent accreditation initiative from the Poverty Alliance, in partnership with the Living Wage Foundation.”

Poverty Alliance director Peter Kelly added: “We are delighted to welcome Perth and Kinross Council to the living wage movement as an accredited employer.

“They are going above and beyond the legal minimum and ensuring that they are taking real action to address in-work poverty in Perth and Kinross.

“They are joining over 2,300 employers across the UK in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

“Perth and Kinross Council is leading by example and we hope that its move will encourage others to follow.”

A local business was also accredited over the weekend.

Graham’s Pest Control in Blairgowrie was congratulated by Deputy First Minister John Swinney on gaining the status.

Mr Swinney said: “By signing this voluntary pledge, Graham’s will uphold some of the best in modern business practices.”

They are going above and beyond the legal minimum ... PETER KELLY, POVERTY ALLIANCE DIRECTOR

Mr Swinney with Ross Graham of Graham’s Pest Control.