Person at front of busy room speaking with large screen on her right

Real Living Wage trail launched at Scottish Borders event

An event in Galashiels launched a new and exciting initiative from the Scottish Borders Living Wage Action Group called the real Living Wage Trail.

The trail offers businesses that sign up for real Living Wage accreditation additional marketing opportunities, increased visibility and the chance to be part of a movement championing fair pay.

The trail was launched at an Unlock the Power of the Living Wage event at the Great Tapestry of Scotland Centre on Monday 24 March. The event included a talk from Zakia Moulaoui, founder and Chief Executive Officer of award-winning social enterprise Invisible Cities.

Invisible Cities trains people who have experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides in their own cities. From their recruitment to the design of their city tours, Invisible Cities include people at the heart of everything they do.

Zakia was joined by her long-standing guide and colleague Sonny, who shared their experiences of creating fair opportunities in the workplace.

Who are the Scottish Borders Living Wage Action Group?
  • The Scottish Borders Living Wage Action Group was created in 2018 and is a collaboration of employers and stakeholders from across the public, private and third sectors. 
  • The Group set an ambition in 2023 to accredit 60 employers and uplift 600 workers in the region to the real Living Wage over three years. 
Progress in the Borders

Companies in the Borders who are accredited Living Wage employers include Eribe knitwear, Evolution BPS and the region’s largest private employer, Farne Salmon. 

The Group’s Co-Chair, Councillor Robin Tatler, who is also Executive Member for Public Safety and Resilience at Scottish Borders Council, said:

“Our latest event offered the chance for businesses to embrace the real Living Wage and how it can lead to stronger teams, better staff retention, and increased productivity.

“The session heard Zakia and Sonny’s inspiring stories, as well as launching the real Living Wage Trail.”

Seonaid Mann, Fair Work and Equality Lead at South of Scotland Enterprise and Co-Chair of Scottish Borders Living Wage Action Group added: 

“It was a morning of insightful conversation, practical guidance, and powerful networking as we explore the impact of the real Living Wage and wider fair working practices on people and organisations from across the Borders and beyond."

Lynn Anderson, Living Wage Scotland Manager said:

“The drive to make the Scottish Borders a Living Wage region depends on employers taking a stand and joining the movement to ensure good work that works for everyone.

“Despite the challenges faced by employers in recent years, it is heartening to see more employers stepping up to pay the real Living Wage. 

“The new real Living Wage Trail in the Scottish Borders will celebrate and promote accredited Living Wage employers to values-driven consumers.

“We urge more employers in the region to join the growing movement of employers who are making a positive difference in their communities and are helping create a region where everyone can thrive."

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