Scottish campervan converter business Jerba Campervans has received living hours employer accreditation as part of its commitment to demonstrate fair work practices.
Its employees will now receive a contract reflecting actual hours worked, as per the living hours standard, and will be able to work a minimum of 16 contracted hours per week, unless they request otherwise. The business must also provide a minimum of four weeks’ notice for every shift and guarantee payment if shifts are cancelled within this period.
In addition, living hours accreditation requires employers to pay all employees over the age of 18 the real living wage rate of £13.15 per hour if they are based in London and £12 per hour for those across the UK.
Launched in 2021 through a partnership between Living Wage Scotland, the Poverty Alliance and the Living Wage Foundation, the Scottish Living Hours accreditation scheme is funded by the Scottish government. There are currently more than 3,400 Scottish employers in the private, public and third sectors with accreditation, which aims to tackle issues such as insecure work and incomes that make planning ahead difficult.
Simon Poole, co-founder of Jerba Campervans, said: “We strive to create a progressive and supportive working environment at Jerba. Becoming an accredited living hours employer formalises our commitment to fair work standards. Our employees are integral to the success of our business. Providing secure hours and incomes enables them to plan their lives effectively and provides job security.”
Christine McCaig, projects co-ordinator at Living Wage Scotland, added: “It’s fantastic to see Jerba Campervans take further steps to protect its workers from low pay and insecure work by becoming living hours accredited. Jerba Campervans is the first employer based in East Lothian to gain the accreditation, and the values that led it to commit to the real living wage are the same values that have led to its expanded commitment to fair work at a time when workers need it most.”