Date: Wed 20 February 2013

UNISON wins Living Wage for low paid staff at Central Scotland Police

UNISON today welcomed news that Central Scotland Police has become the first police force in the UK to be an accredited Living Wage employer.

The union, which represents police staff, had proposed the move to boost pay levels of low paid staff and is celebrating success after the police board backed the policy. 

Cleaner May Couper, who works in the Stirling police office, is one of the members who benefits from the rise. The Scottish Living Wage is currently £7.45 per hour. 

May said: “With the cost of living increasing, the introduction of the Living Wage and the increase in take home pay was very welcome.” 

Raymond Farrell, UNISON steward, said the pay increase affected more than 20 people who were very pleased with the extra money in their pockets.

He added: “Central Scotland Police must be given full credit for being the first police service in the United Kingdom to recognise the importance of the Living Wage. It is inspiring that as the second smallest force in Scotland we can lead the way on something so important.  UNISON is calling for the new Scottish Police Authority to follow Central Scotland and introduce it to all Scottish police staff.” 

The police force confirmed that it has now been granted formal accreditation and will be recognised nationally as a Living Wage Employer.

Accreditation is administered by the Living Wage Foundation, on behalf of Citizens UK, who said that Central Scotland Police is the first police service in the UK to receive such accreditation. 

ENDS 

For further information please contact:
Raymond Farrell, UNISON steward  at Central Scotland Police, 07950 429 184
Fiona Montgomery, Communications Officer, UNISON Scotland, 0141 342 2877 or 07508 877 000
Malcolm Burns, Communications Officer, UNISON Scotland, 0141 342 2877 or 078765 66978

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