ScotRail has contributed £800 million to the country’s economy since becoming one of the largest organisations in Scotland to receive Living Wage accreditation.
In addition to the benefits to ScotRail’s 5,000 employees, £250 million is also spent each year on the extended supply chain, with all major contracts requiring companies to pay their employees the Living Wage.
The commitment to the Living Wage in the organisation includes trainees and the company intern programme, recognising the role all employees make to the business.
ScotRail, operated by Abellio, uses the Living Wage employer logo on every train throughout the country, which by the end of the year will mean almost 4,000 logos on display across the fleet.
ScotRail Head of Economic Development James Ledgerwood said: “ScotRail is committed to operating to the highest social and ethical standards, and a critical part of that is our pledge to be a Living Wage employer.
“We understand the value of paying the Living Wage to our staff and the importance for us as a business to set a positive example as one of the country’s leading employers. That’s why we are proud to have invested £800 million in Living Wage suppliers.
“ScotRail plays a positive role in supporting and influencing our communities at a local, regional, and national level, and we are delighted to provide our continuing support to Living Wage.”
Transport Scotland’s Director of Rail Bill Reeve, said: “The ScotRail franchise is a great example of how the Scottish Government leads by example. It is the largest single contract let by the Scottish Government, and requires not only that all ScotRail staff, but also all staff of ScotRail’s sub-contractors receive at least the living wage.
“The economic benefits of this are clear to see and we urge other employers to become Living Wage accredited too.”