Real Living Wage

If you want to showcase your company as a good for business, good for workers organisation, then please sign up for Real Living Wage Accreditation. Living Wage accreditation celebrates employers that choose to go further than the government minimum, by paying the real Living Wage to all relevant workers.

The benefits of being RLW Accredited include:

• Enhanced company and brand reputation
• Enhanced reputation as an employer
• Improved recruitment and retention
• Improved relations between staff and managers
• Differentiated organisation from competitors
• Increased commitment from employees
• Increased motivation of employees

Formal accreditation provides recognition of a commitment to the Living Wage and sends a public signal of an organisation's vision and values. The Living Wage employer mark is now widely recognised as the mark of a responsible employer. Employees receiving a real Living Wage say it makes a real difference to their lives. By paying the real Living Wage, employers are choosing to ensure their staff can earn a wage that supports a decent standard of living. Employees have reported the following benefits:

• Fewer financial pressures/worries
• Ability to save and plan for the future
• Ability to afford the 'little extras'
• Feeling more valued by their employer
• Increased motivation at work
• Increased sense of loyalty
• Enhanced team relations and cohesiveness.

Where employers pay the Scottish RLW (currently £13.45 per hour) to all directly employed staff aged 18 and over (with exception of Apprentices), they can join the growing number of Scottish employers who are RLW Accredited and are contributing to building a stronger, fairer Region.

There is an annual accreditation fee which varies according to the type of organisation and the total number of staff. Current rates are:-

Financial support can be provided to support your initial accreditation fees. Please contact w4u.grants@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

Full details on the Real Living Wage can be found at For the real cost of living | Living Wage Foundation