Aberdeen-based charity Somebody Cares SCIO has received real living wage employer accreditation as part of its commitment to pay staff a wage that reflects the true cost of living.
The charity provides support to people and families across Aberdeen and the surrounding area, including food bank services, free furniture provision and community support programmes.
Through the accreditation, Somebody Cares Scotland has made a voluntary, publicly recognised commitment to pay each of its employees, including any contracted and regularly outsourced staff, at least a rate of £13.45 per hour.
The real living wage is set by the Living Wage Foundation and is based on what people actually need to meet the cost of living. It is higher than the national minimum wage, which stands at £12.71 per hour.
Employers that voluntarily pay the rate commit to go above and beyond the legal minimum to ensure their workforce is paid enough to live on.
The charity decided to voluntarily pay the rate because it is a reflection of its core values of dignity, community, and compassion for every person it serves and employs.
Yekemi Otaru, chief executive officer (CEO) of Somebody Cares SCIO, said: “I’m so proud and delighted that Somebody Cares SCIO has achieved real living wage accreditation. It’s a commitment I’ve wanted us to make since I began as CEO in 2024, and we are now in a position to do that. Nobody should have to choose between paying their bills and doing work they believe in, and this accreditation means our staff don’t have to.”
Ryan Swan, chair of the board of trustees added: “The board of trustees and I fully support the decision to award all staff at least the real living wage. A significant volume of work has been undertaken to ensure that the charity could both financially allow for this change and maintain the level of service currently offered, however, it has been worth the effort.”
