Costcutter in Hopeman becomes Living Wage accredited employer
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COSTCUTTER in Hopeman has been accredited as a Living Wage employer.
The Living Wage commitment will see everyone working at the shop receive a minimum hourly wage of £9.90.
In Scotland, more than 14 per cent of jobs pay less than the real Living Wage – around 330,000 jobs. The minimum wage is £9.50 an hour for people aged 23 and over.
V.K.T ANugrah Ltd, which owns Costcutter, has committed to pay the real Living Wage.
“When we took over the shop in 2017, we wanted to try our best to serve the community," director Tim Moyle said.
"Together with the team, we put the hours and hard work in to make sure we do just that.
"With the gloomy economic outlook this year, we were convinced that it’s the right time to step up, join the scheme and do what we need to for the team”
Syanness Tunggal-Moyle, store manager, added: “We took the idea to the team, discussed advantages and challenges together.
"While the team was thrilled with the idea, they were cautious about the survival of the business in this challenging time.
"We looked at ways to be generate cost saving to cover extra wage bill by looking for more effective and efficient ways of running the business without compromising the services we offer to our customers. So, here we are”
Peter Kelly, Director of The Poverty Alliance, congratulated the group on the move.
He 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.
“Congratulations to V.K.T Anugrah Ltd on their Living Wage commitment, and I hope more organisations follow their lead by becoming Living Wage accredited.”
