The lowest earning workers at North Ayrshire Council are to get the newly announced living wage more than four months early, in a decision described as a fight against inequality.
To mark living wage week a new rate of £8.75 per hour was announced, a rise of 30p per hour on the current rate of £8.45. Although the new rate is not due to be adopted by businesses and organisations until after April 2018, the council has committed to ensuring staff receive the increase in their next pay. North Ayrshire Council leader Joe Cullinane, said:
‘This is a clear statement that the council is committed to tackling inequality and helping those on low income. Earning the real living wage can make a huge difference to people’s lives. As the largest single employer in North Ayrshire, we’re proud to show support for our lowest-paid workers by committing to paying the real living wage early.’