Setting a wage example

The local authority was this week accredited as a Living Wage employer by the Poverty Alliance.
It comes a week after councillors approved a new anti-poverty strategy for the region, which sets out whatthey will do to improve the lives of people locally.
Council leader Ronnie Nicholson said: “The strategy aims to tackle this through by creating actions that will address the causes of poverty.
“Our council considers the living wage as the single most important contribution to tackling poverty across the region.”
Dumfries and Galloway is the lowest paid region in Scotland and Mr Nicholson said: “I am proud this council is playing its part in tackling that problem by delivering a living wage for our staff.
“But I want to see that rolled out to as many workers across our region through our partners and contractors.
“Therefore, we will be promoting Living Wage accreditation to all organisations in our region across the public, third and private sectors.”
Peter Kelly, director of Poverty Alliance, congratulated the council on their accrediation.
He said: “Local authorities play a vital role by setting an example for employers in their area.
“By signing up to the Accreditation Initiative, Dumfries and Galloway Council have ensured that all of their of employees will always get paid at least the Living Wage.”