George Watson’s College has been accredited as a Living Wage employer, The Living Wage Foundation reports.
The Living Wage commitment will see everyone working at the Edinburgh-based independent school receive a minimum hourly wage of £9.90 per hour.
This Living Wage rate was announced on Monday 15th November 2021 as part of Living Wage Week. This rate is significantly higher than the UK government minimum for over 23s, which currently stands at £9.50 per hour.
In Scotland, more than 14 per cent of all jobs pay less than the real Living Wage – around 330,000 jobs. Despite this, George Watson’s College has committed to pay the real Living Wage or higher to its over 500 staff.
The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate calculated according to the costs of living. Employers choose to pay the real Living Wage on a voluntary basis, recognising the value of their workers and ensuring that a hard day’s work receives a fair day’s pay.
In London, the real Living Wage is calculated as £11.05 an hour.
Principal Melvyn Roffe said: “At Watson’s we have long tried to ensure that everyone is properly paid for their work, but now is the right time to make the public commitment as a real Living Wage employer. Poverty wages disrespect the contribution of individuals, put families under strain and undermine our communities. We should all do our bit to put a stop to them.”
Peter Kelly, director of The Poverty Alliance said: “We all need an income that is enough to cover our needs and protect us from poverty, and it’s only right that employers pay a wage that reflects the cost of living.
“Too many workers in Scotland are paid less than the real Living Wage and, at a time of rising costs, are struggling to stay afloat. The real Living Wage can offer protection from those rising costs.”
“Congratulations to George Watson’s College on their Living Wage commitment, and I hope more organisations follow their lead by becoming Living Wage accredited.”