LIVING WAGE RESEARCH SUPPORTS ECONOMY FOR PEOPLE
Scottish Greens are welcoming new research showing that people in Scotland are the most conscious of the £7.85 per hour Living Wage, and that across the UK seven out of ten adults would choose to shop in a Living Wage-accredited store.
The Scottish Greens, who for the first time are standing in the majority of Scotland's Westminster constituencies, want to raise the adult minimum wage of £6.50 an hour to a single Living Wage for all ages of £7.85, and for that to rise to £10 an hour by 2020.
Scottish Green MSP Patrick Harvie said:
"Some big, highly-profitable businesses continue to pay poverty wages, which need to be topped up by billions from the public purse. No-one should have to work in a job that also leaves them in poverty.
"Greens want to see the minimum wage lifted to the Living Wage immediately so we can start to repair the inequality presided over by the Conservatives and Libdems. Lifting wages would be good for business as it sends customers the right message, and it makes employees happier and more productive, and it's good for workers as it gives them money in their pocket which in turn benefits the local economy.
"The Living Wage is clearly an idea whose time has arrived. Let's build on that to help realise Scotland's potential."
Attitudes and awareness towards the Living Wage are on the up (KPMG)
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