Kevin Stewart, SNP MSP for Aberdeen Central, has welcomed the introduction of the living wage of £7.20 per hour by Aberdeen City Council.

The move comes at the end of a week where the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Regeneration Committee declared that they broadly support the living wage campaign to be rolled out across councils throughout Scotland. Kevin Stewart, who was previously deputy leader of Aberdeen City Council, said:

“I am delighted that Aberdeen City Council will have the living wage in their budget next week, and that they are looking to apply a provision to uprate on it year-on-year.

“It is estimated that over half a million workers in Scotland are paid earnings below the living wage. Other councils aspiring to implement this progressive step can look to the city as to how it can be achieved.

“The council elections in May present an opportunity for all the political parties to present a positive case on how they plan to improve the services in people’s daily lives. I trust that they will overwhelmingly back the SNP who will continue to work hand-in-hand with the people of Scotland to help move Scotland forward.”

Note:

The Scottish Government and its agencies, the NHS and seven local authorities are already paying the living wage. (Renfrewshire Council, Glasgow City Council, West Dunbartonshire Council, East Renfrewshire Council, North Ayrshire Council, South Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Borders Council and Dumfries and Galloway Council)