First minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday visited McKean Developments Ltd to welcome the rapid growth in Scottish organisations securing the accreditation.

The Poverty Alliance, which runs the Living Wage Accreditation scheme in Scotland, has indicated that more than 100,000 employees of accredited companies are now benefitting from the Living Wage.

Speaking on a visit to McKean Developments Ltd, the First Minister welcomed the progress being made and urged other companies to sign up.

She said: “It is great news that 100 companies are now accredited as Living Wage employers. The Scottish Government fully supports the Living Wage campaign and we recognise the real difference the Living Wage makes to the working people in Scotland.

“The Scottish Government is not able to set pay levels in the private sector, or indeed the wider public sector in Scotland where employees are not covered by our pay policy, however we DO encourage all public, private and third sector organisations to ensure all staff on lower incomes receive a fair level of pay, and we are funding the Poverty Alliance to take forward the accreditation scheme.

“The list of 100 accredited companies clearly demonstrates it is not just big businesses who are providing a fairer deal for their staff but small companies like McKean Developments Ltd which is guaranteeing the living wage for their staff. I would encourage all employers across Scotland to take the lead from the these 100 organisations and give their workers a Living Wage.”

Colin McLean sales and technical manager at McKean Developments Ltd, said: “As a Living Wage Employer it is our belief that our workforce deserve to be paid an honest and decent wage in return for their services. It’s that simple. This, in turn, has helped increased both production capability and morale within our business, leading to increased customer satisfaction and a top quality finished product, not to mention a better quality of life for all of our employees.”

Peter Kelly, director of the Poverty Alliance, added: “Congratulations to McKean’s on becoming Scotland’s 100th Accredited Living Wage Employer. This is an important milestone for the Living Wage in Scotland. We are delighted that more and more employers are joining the movement for fair pay.

“These employers recognise that paying the Living Wage has benefits for their organisations as well as their employees. We look forward to working with McKeans, and all Scotland’s accredited employers, to ensure that we all benefit from the Living Wage.”