ScotRail’s Living Wage Accreditation

Last updated: Friday, 10 November 2017

On 11th March 2016, we became the sixth largest organisation in Scotland to sign up as a Living Wage Accredited Employer.

The announcement was made by the Transport Minister, Derek Mackay, to mark Abellio’s first year operating the ScotRail franchise. The announcement regarding the Living Wage was one of 130 commitments made by Abellio for the first year of the franchise.

In achieving accreditation, Phil Verster, MD of ScotRail Alliance, said:

“We are absolutely committed to delivering a railway that all of Scotland can be proud of. A railway that is vital to the country, not for what it is – but for what it does and for the connections that it makes. We want to make sure that ScotRail helps connect people with jobs, business with customers and our communities with opportunities to grow and prosper. Paying the Living Wage is a clear sign of our commitment to our people and a recognition of how much we value our role as one of Scotland’s largest employers.”

Derek Mackay MSP, Minister for Transport, said:

“Scottish Ministers included Living Wage accreditation as one of the major commitments in the new ScotRail franchise agreement. It is pleasing that Abellio have achieved this, it represents a satisfying end to a productive first year for Abellio as franchise holder. We need even more organisations to recognise those benefits and sign up for accreditation and help those on the lowest pay.”

What is “Living Wage”?

  • An hourly rate set independently and updated annually
  • The Living Wage is calculated according to the basic cost of living in the UK
  • The current Living Wage in Scotland is £8.25 an hour
  • Employers choose to pay the Living Wage on a voluntary basis
  • The Living Wage Employer Mark and Service Provider Recognition Scheme provide an ethical badge for responsible pay

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