Campaigners delighted Hearts becomes living wage employer
Anti-poverty campaigners have applauded Hearts after it became the first football club in Scotland to pay all staff the living wage.
The move will see those employed at the club paid £7.85 per hour - £1.35 more than the national minimum wage.
In Scotland, there are approximately 414,000 people currently paid below the living wage.
Despite the club being a relatively small employer, the move is being seen as an important milestone because of the high profile role the football club has on Edinburgh – and Scottish – society.
Peter Kelly, director of the Poverty Alliance which delivers the Living Wage Foundation’s accreditation initiative, said: “Almost two in three children in poverty in Scotland live in a household where someone works, and the living wage is a vital tool in lifting people out of in work poverty.
I hope that more clubs will follow Heart of Midlothian’s example - Peter Kelly
“Football clubs have an important role in communities across Scotland. With thousands of people turning out every week to support their local clubs, they can play an important leadership role, not only for fans but for the businesses they work with.
“I hope that more clubs will follow Heart of Midlothian’s example but not only giving their staff a pay rise this Christmas, but by showing real leadership on this issue on and off the pitch.”
The Scottish Living Wage Accreditation Initiative has been operating in Scotland since April 2014 and provides support and advice to organisations.
More than 70 employers are now accredited as paying the living wage.
A Heart of Midlothian spokesperson said the move was in keeping with its values.
"Heart of Midlothian Football Club is delighted to be given accreditation to become a living wage employer.
"The club feels that implementing the living wage is entirely in keeping with the values that we hold dear as Edinburgh's oldest football club.
"Since revealing our intention to implement the living wage the club has received widespread backing from both our supporters and sponsors."
