Lynn Anderson argues that the third sector has everything to gain from the living wage - and nothing to lose
As the number of accredited living wage employers in Scotland reaches 600, it is clear that the living wage movement in Scotland is growing.
At our upcoming Living Wage Expo conference on 31 October in Glasgow, third sector organisations are invited to join us to hear from Comic Relief and the Big Lottery Fund about an exciting new initiative called Living Wage Friendly Funders.
Our hope is that the third sector becomes an even greater champion of the independent living wage – which is £8.25 at the moment compared to the UK Government’s £7.20 that only applies to over 25s .
Leading the growth of the living wage movement is mainly smaller, private sector firms. This pattern is testament to the impressive business benefits associated with paying staff enough to afford a decent standard of living.
Employers have reported reduced absenteeism, higher morale and better quality of work.
Employers have reported reduced absenteeism, higher morale and better quality of work
Lynn Anderson
As third sector organisations have become increasingly professionalised in recent years, the business case for living wage accreditation is more important than ever to the sustainability and growth of our sector.
In addition, the third sector is better placed than most to recognise the strong social case for paying living wage, and by making the independent living wage the norm, we can make a real impact on the levels of in-work poverty.
Against a backdrop of concern over future economic stability and an increasingly competitive environment, charities are feeling the pinch and low pay remains a problem.
The reality is often balancing the support of the living wage movement with the pressure of managing tight budgets.
I am certainly not the first person to highlight that the third sector has a role to play in leading the living wage revolution, but many are facing disillusionment around the barriers that hinder the sector to step up to the challenge.
The good news is that we are seeing a culture shift in the grant funding environment – with more funders publicising their status as a Living Wage Friendly Funder.
Friendly Funder status offers reassurance that grant makers want to support the living wage.
Charities are encouraged to include living wage in the costings of their bids, but importantly, will not lose out if there are reasons that living wage cannot be paid.
The scheme has proven popular with funded organisation as it has allowed funded posts to be paid the living wage and additionally, support has been offered to facilitate a move to living wage generally.
By flying the flag for the living wage, Friendly Funders are opening a door to support smaller organisations to increase staff wages, and this creates an opportunity for these organisations to consider becoming an accredited living wage employer in their own right.
To offer insight on the ways organisations can go living wage via grant funding, Comic Relief, Big Lottery Fund and Life Changes Trust will be sharing their thoughts during a dedicated breakout session at this year’s Living Wage Expo in Glasgow.
With the business and brand benefits of living wage accreditation and Friendly Funders becoming more commonplace; more third sector organisations are taking the leap to join the movement.
Some of the recently accredited organisations include the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, Home Basics (Tweeddale) Co. Ltd, Headway Dumfries & Galloway Association Ltd, Orkney Blide Trust and Dumbarton Area Council on Alcohol.
These organisations are a snapshot of the increasing numbers of Scotland’s third sector signing up to living wage.
We are catching up in the race toward a living wage norm. Our annual Living Wage Week celebration kicks off on 31 October in Glasgow.
Join us at the Living Wage 2016 Expo Conference in Glasgow on Monday, 31 October. Book your free place here.
Lynn Anderson is accreditation officer for the Scottish Living Wage Accreditation Programme.
