The Real Living Wage helps staff feel valued and enjoy a better standard of living, says North Ayrshire Council and Cunninghame Housing Association.

The new hourly pay rate of £12 for 2024 - which is independently calculated by The Resolution Foundation – is based on what people in the UK need to earn to afford a decent standard of living.

It is paid voluntarily by employers - and the price of childcare, transport, heating and housing are all taken into account when the rate is set.

North Ayrshire Council has been a Real Living Wage Employer since 2011 and said they continue to champion the cause to boost employee’s income and well-being.

Living Wage Week is the annual celebration of the Living Wage Movement and runs from November 6 to 12.

The council's partner, Cunninghame Housing Association (CHA), - a social landlord and social enterprise that has been operating since 1984 - is also a Real Living Wage employer.

A financial advice team work with residents to help them get access to welfare benefits.

Advice is also given on fuel poverty through the association's subsidiary company Citrus Energy.

Scott Mould, head of social and economic development at CHA, said now, more than ever, it is important to be a real Living Wage employer.

Mr Mould said: “We have committed to the Real Living Wage across our group of companies as it’s important to us to ensure that all staff have access to a costed minimum wage rate, ensuring a better quality of life and preventing hardship.

“We would absolutely encourage others to sign up as accredited organisations. 

“Staff morale has increased and retention has also improved."

North Ayrshire Council’s top priorities include tackling child poverty and supporting residents through the cost-of-living crisis. 

Councillor Marie Burns, chair of the council’s Tackling Child Poverty & Cost of Living Board, said: “It is encouraging to see our partner organisations, including Cunninghame Housing Association, backing the Real Living Wage.

“It is important, now more than ever as residents continue to navigate the cost-of-living crisis and we head into winter, that people earn a wage that gives them a decent standard of living.”

To find out more about the Real Living Wage, go online to https://scottishlivingwage.org/.

 

 

If you need help with Cost-of-Living support please visit the Council’s dedicated webpage at https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living/