The SNP Government is launching a new accreditation scheme encouraging businesses to provide secure contracts, flexible hours and payment of the real Living Wage.
The Scottish Living Hours Accreditation Scheme recognises that in addition to payment of the real Living Wage, the number and frequency of work hours are critical to tackling in-work poverty.
It builds on the existing Living Wage accreditation scheme and businesses looking for certification must meet the following standards:
payment of the real Living Wage
providing a contract reflecting accurate hours worked and a guaranteed minimum of 16 hours a week (unless the worker requests otherwise)
ensuring at least 4 weeks’ notice of shifts and guaranteed payment if shifts are cancelled within this period
The scheme will be supported by £380,000 of funding and will be administered by the Poverty Alliance. They will begin reaching out to prospective employers from Sunday 01 August to start the accreditation process.
Fair Work Minister Richard Lochhead MSP said:
“No one should be working in an insecure, unstable job that doesn’t pay the real Living Wage. Good progress has been made on the real Living Wage in Scotland, with over 2000 employers now accredited, helping to reduce in-work poverty. We are going further and will introduce a national Living Hours Accreditation Scheme for Scotland from this coming weekend.
“Together with the Poverty Alliance and Living Wage Scotland, the new Scheme will help to alleviate in work poverty and create more secure, sustainable and satisfying jobs. I encourage businesses across Scotland to look at the scheme and sign up to ensure you are providing the best possible work conditions for your valued staff."
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“Fair work is at the heart of our economic recovery and, while employment law is reserved to Westminster, the SNP Government is doing all it can within its limited powers to encourage employers across Scotland provide secure, consistent contracts and pay a real Living Wage."
Further information on the Living Hours Accreditation Scheme for Scotland can be found on the Living Wage Scotland website.
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