12 March 2019

The SNP’s flagship fair pay plan only bids to lift 5 per cent of people paid below the living wage out of poverty pay over the next three years, according the new analysis from Scottish Labour.

The government wants an additional 25,000 people paid the real living wage over the next three years, but recent research suggests 480,000 people are paid less than the real living wage in Scotland.

Labour released the analysis ahead of a Holyrood debate on the issue today. Labour said that the Scottish Parliament could be much more radical in the fair work agenda, by not handing any public money to organisations who fail to pay the real living wage.

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said:

“We need to see much bolder action on the fight to end low pay at work from the SNP government. A 5 per cent reduction in poverty pay over three years is far too timid.

“The rule should be simple - no public money unless there is at least a real living wage and decent conditions.

“What we need is a Scottish Government that is prepared to use its powers, including through public procurement to drive up employment standards and working practices on public contracts.

“The next Scottish Labour government will not invest in companies which operate exploitative employment contracts paying below the real living wage or enforcing zero hours contracts.”

12 March 2019

The SNP’s flagship fair pay plan only bids to lift 5 per cent of people paid below the living wage out of poverty pay over the next three years, according the new analysis from Scottish Labour.

The government wants an additional 25,000 people paid the real living wage over the next three years, but recent research suggests 480,000 people are paid less than the real living wage in Scotland.

Labour released the analysis ahead of a Holyrood debate on the issue today. Labour said that the Scottish Parliament could be much more radical in the fair work agenda, by not handing any public money to organisations who fail to pay the real living wage.

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said:

“We need to see much bolder action on the fight to end low pay at work from the SNP government. A 5 per cent reduction in poverty pay over three years is far too timid.

“The rule should be simple - no public money unless there is at least a real living wage and decent conditions.

“What we need is a Scottish Government that is prepared to use its powers, including through public procurement to drive up employment standards and working practices on public contracts.

“The next Scottish Labour government will not invest in companies which operate exploitative employment contracts paying below the real living wage or enforcing zero hours contracts.” Back to previous page