​Union praises leading care charity for paying Scottish living wage

One of Scotland’s leading care charities has agreed to pay the living wage to all its employees.

Capability Scotland’s decision to introduce the Scottish living wage will be backdated to April and has been praised by one of the country’s biggest trade unions.

Unison said the £7.65 hourly amount will bring an immediate benefit to over 400 mostly female staff who provide vital care for disabled children and adults across Scotland.

We are delighted Capability Scotland have made this decision it is a morale booster for care workers - Deborah Dyer

Deborah Dyer, Unison’s regional organiser for the charity sector, said it was understood the Scottish Living Wage came at a cost and that the external funding environment is challenging.

But that does not excuse low pay she said.

She added: “The Scottish living wage was introduced in the public sector and Capability Scotland has shown it is possible for charities to pay the living wage too. We urge others charities to follow their lead because it is simply the right thing to do.”

“Our research shows that care workers feel a huge sense of responsibility to the disabled children and adults they care for.

“We are delighted Capability Scotland have made this decision it is a morale booster for care workers.”

A recent report by Unison, It’s Time to Care, highlighted the issue of chronic low pay in the sector.

Capability Scotland chief executive, Dana O’Dwyer, said: “Capability Scotland strongly believes in equality and human rights and the introduction of the Scottish living wage demonstrates how we value our staff and the important job they do.

"Over 400 staff have instantly benefited from this agreement which is an important development in our ongoing drive to provide the highest quality services to disabled people in Scotland.”