Randolph Hill accredited as Living Wage employer

The accreditation marks a significant moment in the movement for a real Living Wage across the social care sector in Scotland, as we work to show that social care is a viable career path.

Randolph Hill Nursing Homes join more than 100 other social care organisations in Scotland who have committed to paying the real Living Wage, collectively uplifting more than 7000 workers onto the real Living Wage.

The Living Wage commitment will see everyone working at Randolph Hill Nursing Homes receive a minimum hourly wage rate significantly higher than the government minimum for over 23s. This Living Wage rate is announced each November as part of Living Wage Week.

In Scotland, more than 14% of all jobs pay less than the real Living Wage – around 330,000 jobs. Despite this, Randolph Hill Nursing Homes have committed to pay the real Living Wage and deliver a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work.

The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate calculated according to the costs of living. Employers choose to pay the real Living Wage on a voluntary basis, recognising the value of their workers and ensuring that a hard day’s work receives a fair day’s pay.

Since 2011 the Living Wage movement has delivered a pay rise to over 55,000 people in Scotland and put over £310 million extra into the pockets of low paid Scottish workers.

Randolph Hill’s Managing Director, Peter McCormick, said: “We value the commitment given by all of our members of staff across our 7 homes, and we support career opportunities. Whilst we have been paying above the living wage to our staff for some time, we are delighted now to be one of the first employers of our size in the social care sector to have the Living Wage accreditation.”

Peter Kelly, Director of The Poverty Alliance said: “We all need an income that is enough to cover our needs and protect us from poverty, and it’s only right that employers pay a wage that reflects the cost of living. Too many workers in Scotland are paid less than the real Living Wage and, at a time of rising costs, are struggling to stay afloat. The real Living Wage can offer protection from those rising costs.”

“Congratulations to Randolph Hill Nursing Homes on their Living Wage commitment, and I hope more organisations follow their lead by becoming Living Wage accredited.”