UNISON welcomes decision by social care charity to pay Scottish Living Wage and says more must follow

UNISON Scotland, the union for care workers, has welcomed today’s (Tuesday) announcement by Quarriers that it will pay all staff the Scottish Living Wage of £9.30.

The union now wants to see more follow the Scottish Government’s promise to increase pay for social care workers.

Mike Kirby, UNISON Scottish Secretary, said: “We are pleased to see Quarriers implementing the Scottish Living Wage. However, the Cabinet Secretary made an Easter commitment on pay in the care sector, and support for additional costs incurred as a consequence of COVID-19. The government money has yet to follow the promise. Assurances are still needed from government and CoSLA about what costs will be met and how additional resources will be committed. We will continue to work with other providers to ensure they follow suit and that we see money reaching the pockets of Scotland’s dedicated care workers.”

Debs Clarke, UNISON head of social care, said: “We are delighted that once again Quarriers has shown it truly values its staff.

“We are pleased this increase to £9.30 applies to all staff earning less than the Scottish Living Wage, not just those who work in adult social care. It’s time now for other employers to follow their example and pay staff fairly for the vital work they do.”

ENDS

Notes to editors