Leading the UK on Fair Work

Championing a Living Wage & Enhancing Conditions

In recent years, the SNP Scottish Government became the first national administration in the UK to be accredited as a Living Hours employer following commitments to provide secure contracts and flexible hours.

It follows its accreditation in 2015 as the first government in the UK to pay at least the real Living Wage. The Real Living Wage, which is based on the cost of living, is different to the UK Government’s minimum wage, often referred to as the ‘National Living Wage’. 

The Scottish Government champions fair work through its employment practices and policies, such as specifying that organisations applying for public sector grants must pay at least the real Living Wage and provide channels for staff to have a say in the workplace.

The SNP believes that no one should be working in an insecure, unstable job and not be paid the real Living Wage. Fair work and fair pay make sense for both workers and employers across all sectors, helping to improve staff retention and productivity, reduce recruitment costs and contribute to a skilled and motivated workforce. In turn, that benefits the wider economy, including by boosting spending power in local communities.

Fairer Workplaces Fund, opened in 2024, also helps businesses, charities and other organisations adopt fair work practices. Grants are available to implement changes such as the delivery of workplace training and processes that support flexible working and help to create and sustain a more diverse workforce.

The number of Scottish employers registered as paying the real Living Wage is now over 3,500.

Moreover, the Scottish Government has ensured the best pay deals in the UK for our NHS workforce, and delivered an increase in pay for staff in children’s social care services.

The SNP is proudly the party of fair work and will continue to put this at the heart of its policy agenda.