The Living Wage commitment will see everyone working at SBHA, regardless of whether they are direct employees or third-party contracted staff, receive a minimum hourly wage of £9.30. This rate is higher than the statutory minimum for over 25s of £8.72 per hour introduced in April 2020.

Julia Mulloy, SBHA’s chief executive, said: “Achieving Living Wage accreditation underlines our commitment to supporting inclusive growth in the Scottish Borders.  It reflects how we invest in our people and the standards we expect of our suppliers to ensure the real costs of living can be met.  We are proud to receive recognition for this – particularly in a time of unprecedented economic challenge.”

The real Living Wage is an hourly rate set independently and updated annually. The Living Wage is calculated according to the real costs of living. 

Employers choose to pay the real Living Wage on a voluntary basis. The Living Wage enjoys cross-party political support.

Jack Evans, Living Wage Scotland manager, added: “Congratulations to Scottish Borders Housing Association on becoming accredited, ensuring all their staff receive at least the real Living Wage of £9.30 per hour.

“Housing associations have a strong history of wider action and the commitment to the real Living Wage is a continuation of this tradition.

“We are a movement of over 1,800 Scottish employers who together want to go further than the government minimum to make sure that everyone can earn a decent standard of living and families have what they need to thrive.”