NHS Education for Scotland (NES) has received living wage employer accreditation as part of its aim to pay a wage that reflects the cost of living.
The accreditation recognises NES’s commitment to promoting equality, tackling inequalities, and transforming workplaces and lives. It will do this by paying all directly employed staff and contracted workers a wage that reflects the actual cost of living.
As part of the accreditation, NES will continue to work with its partners and suppliers to encourage living wage adoption across supply chains. It will also monitor progress through workforce governance arrangements.
Karen Reid, chief executive at NES, said: “I am proud that NES has been accredited by Living Wage Scotland, demonstrating the commitment it is making as an anchor institution. NES’s national reach makes us a key part of the broader anchor movement within the Scottish health and social care sector. This accreditation recognises the positive difference NES makes to, and impact we have on, people’s lives, daily.
“Staff working in fair conditions, being paid a fair wage is central to our values and to the wellbeing of our workforce and those we contract work to. This accreditation underlines our commitment to building a supportive, inclusive workplace where people can thrive.”
Sybil Canavan, director of people and culture at NES, added: “Being paid a real living wage, with living hours and a living pension, makes a difference, transforming employment and lives. As an anchor institution, we will keep working with suppliers, partners, and colleagues to promote fair pay and to make a positive difference for our communities.
“NES fair work principles also underpin and support efforts across other areas, such as our existing Carer Positive Employer accreditation and our Equally Safe at Work programme, as we make strong progress toward accreditation.”
