Council offers apprentices real living wage rate as some employees salaries to be more than doubled

Apprentices at Scottish Borders Council will receive the real living wage of £10.90 per hour - a move which will see some employees salaries more than double.

For apprentices the national minimum wage differs depending on age. The minimum wage for under 18's is £4.81; 18-20 years - £6.83; 21-22 years - £9.18, 23 years and over £9.50 with an apprenticeship level of £4.81.

Unite the union had been pushing a campaign on the issue. Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “Scottish Borders Council scrapping apprenticeship age rates following a campaign by Unite is a very welcome development.

"It’s now incumbent upon all local authorities in Scotland to follow this lead by paying all apprentices the real living wage as a minimum. Unite is pleased to secure this win for apprentices in the Borders and we aim to secure it for all across Scotland.”

Councillor Robin Tatler, Executive Member for Communities and Equalities and joint chair of the Scottish Borders Living Wage Group, said: “I am delighted that our budget agreed last month maintained and extended the commitment to pay all our employees the Real Living Wage, including to our many Modern Apprentices.

“Our Modern Apprenticeship programme has been really successful at bringing in young, talented individuals and allowing them to undertake training and achieve qualifications whilst working. Many have gone on to achieve permanent roles across our services which is underlines the success of this programme.

“Importantly our budget also provided additional funding to support our independent Early Learning and Childcare providers to pay staff the Real Living Wage too.

“I’d encourage all local employers to join us in making a commitment to paying staff the Real Living Wage.”

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