08/01/2016 – Shetland’s Scalloway has become the first hotel in Scotland to become an accredited Living Wage employer. The hotel which is based 6 miles from Lerwick employs eighteen staff, all which received a pay increase as a result of becoming accredited.
This is the second ‘first’ announced by the Scottish Living Wage Accreditation Initiative in the hospitality industry this week, with Glasgow nightclub Firewater becoming the first accredited Living Wage nightclub in the UK.
The hospitality industry is often linked to low pay but these employers have shown that this does not need to be the case.
Caroline McKenzie, Co-Owner, said:
“We have been supporters of the Living Wage for some time, and it seemed a logical step for us to become officially accredited. We are extremely proud to be the first hotel in Scotland to do so, and we hope others, including the big hotel groups, will follow suit. Our employees all work very hard, and we believe it’s important to reward them properly, and to demonstrate that we really do value them. We pay above the Living Wage rate to all staff, regardless of age. The hotel sector isn’t renowned for being a good payer, so anything which challenges that perception has to be a good thing. What’s in it for us? Low staff turnover and a more motivated and committed workforce.
“We know that not all small businesses will want to, or indeed be able to, follow our example, but it makes us angry to hear so many large companies voicing their opposition.”
Peter Kelly, Director of the Poverty Alliance, said:
“Congratulations to the Scalloway hotel on becoming Scotland’s first accredited Living Wage hotel.
“The Scalloway Hotel is not only leading the way for other hotels, but also shows that it is possible for small businesses to commit to paying all staff at least the Living Wage.
“There are now over 400 Living Wage employers in Scotland, all of whom have demonstrated a commitment to ensuring their staff get paid a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.
“I hope that other hotels will follow in the Scalloway Hotel’s footsteps in the coming weeks and months”.
ENDS
For more information contact Carla McCormack, Policy and Parliamentary Officer on 0141 3530440 or email carla.mccormack@povertyalliance.org
Or
Caroline McKenzie, Co-Owner on 01595880444 or email info@scallowayhotel.com
