North Ayrshire Council has pledged to pay the new real Living Wage to its employees six months early.

Around 3,000 businesses are already real Living Wage accredited in Scotland and, as a result of this commitment, more than 60,000 workers across the country will receive a pay rise.

The rate for 2024, overseen by the Living Wage Commission, has been announced as £12, an increase of £1.10.

The price of childcare, transport, heating and housing are all taken into account when the rate is set.

North Ayrshire Council has now committed to implementing the new rate six months early, affecting over 700 members of staff. 

Council leader Marie Burns said: “As a local authority, our employees’ well-being and standard of living are paramount to us.

"Many people continue to face challenging times during the Cost-of-Living Crisis, and paying this increased rate can help make a big difference.

“It is important that we start paying the rate as soon as we can. Paying this new 2024 rate of £12 straight away is crucial to ensuring staff earn a wage they can actually live on and have a decent standard of life.”