The council is a Real Living Wage employer and is asking other local companies to sign up to the initiative, which sets a minimum hourly wage rate.

“Paying a living wage offers staff financial security, tells individuals that their work is valued and is a critical part of lifting people out of poverty, but it also has clear benefits for employers, including being able to attract and keep skilled staff,” explained Council Depute Leader Councillor Paul Kelly.

“The council’s employability programmes incentivise employers to paying the living wage and we offer support to small companies as they work towards being accredited as living wage employers. We encourage the uptake of the initiative through our procurement practices.

“I would encourage all businesses across North Lanarkshire to consider signing up as a living wage employer – it is good for our residents and good for business.”

A new minimum hourly wage of £9.90 per hour was announced recently as part of Living Wage Week 2021.

More information about the Real Living Wage is available at www.livingwage.org.uk/what-real-living-wage

The council is part of the Scottish Local Government Living Wage, set by COSLA following agreement of the Local Government Pay Award.