Visiting during Living Wage Week, the community safety minister heard the difference the Real Living Wage makes to voluntary sector staff.

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations' (SCVO) role as a Real Living Wage employer was recognised by a Scottish Governement minister.

Ash Denham MSP visited SCVO's office headquarters at Mansfield Traquair Centre in Edinburgh this week along with the representatives of the Poverty Alliance.

Visiting diuring Living Wage Week, the community safety minister heard the difference the Real Living Wage makes to voluntary sector staff.

As of this week, workers whose employer has signed up to the initiative will see their hourly rate rise to £9.30 an hour – up from the previous minimum rate of £9.

The Living Wage Foundation said this would see employees earn on average £2,000 more than those on the national minimum wage.

SCVO, the Poverty Alliance, the Living Wage Foundation and other third sector groups are urging more employers to start paying the Real Living Wage.