UWS accredited as Living Wage employer

University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is proud to announce its accreditation as a Living Wage employer.

The Living Wage accreditation recognises UWS’s commitment to ensure that UWS colleagues continue to be paid above the agreed minimum rate and receive a minimum hourly wage of £10.90 per hour. This rate is significantly higher than the government minimum for over-23s, which currently stands at £9.50 per hour.

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: “This accreditation signals our commitment to our people and is a further demonstration of the support provided at UWS.”

“Everyone who works at UWS has a role to play in delivering our ambitions supported through our people priorities. Recent feedback confirmed we are a university where people feel a sense of belonging and are valued. We also expect the same value led approach from those with whom we work, and compliance with the principles of this accreditation will apply to all future procurement exercises.”

Fiona Morton, Interim Vice-Principal (People), said: “We are really proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer. Whilst the University has paid the Real Living Wage since 2015, it is positive to be recognised both internally and externally as such. This is a long-term commitment and investment in our people to ensure sustainable reward and recognition.

“This commitment applies to not only directly employed staff but also to our third-party contractors. As a result of our accreditation, 70 sub-contracted staff will also benefit from an increase in their hourly rate. Especially in the current tough financial climate, we are pleased to be able to support people where we can.”

Living Wage Scotland reports that the real Living Wage – which employers choose to pay on a voluntary basis - is the only UK wage rate calculated according to the costs of living. Since 2011, the Living Wage movement has delivered a pay rise – totalling more than £370 million - to more than 59,000 people in Scotland.

Peter Kelly, Director of The Poverty Alliance said: “Congratulations to UWS on their Living Wage commitment, and I hope more organisations follow their lead by becoming Living Wage accredited.”

Lynn Anderson, Manager, Living Wage Scotland, said: “We are delighted to welcome University of the West of Scotland to our growing network of accredited Living Wage employers. They join more than 3000 employers in Scotland who together want to ensure workers have what they need.

“As an anchor institution and key employer across several locations, higher education providers can play an important role in raising awareness of the value and impact of the real Living Wage. We hope more employers are inspired by University of the West of Scotland’s accreditation to join the Living Wage employer movement.”