That’s the message from both South and North Lanarkshire Councils, supported by Living Wage Scotland, ahead of a free online event that takes place next week.

Depute Leader of South Lanarkshire Council, and chair of the Community Planning Partnership, Councillor Maureen Chalmers, said: “I hope as many people as possible will join us to find out more about the real Living Wage.

“A range of speakers will be explaining what it is and why it could be important for you, your organisation and your wider community.

“We will also be celebrating the progress we have made within the real Living Wage movement and providing information on how to become an accredited employer.” 

The event takes place online from 9.30am to 10.30am on Tuesday 16 November. You must register for the event to attend.

The annual celebration of the real Living Wage movement takes place from Monday 15 November to Friday 19 November.

The week begins with the new rate announcement and continues with networking events, testimony from employers and workers and much more.

Peter Kelly, Director, The Poverty Alliance, said: “Too many workers in Scotland are in the grip of poverty and employers choosing to pay at least the real Living Wage can loosen that grip. 

“Payment of the real Living Wage allows those in work to become more included in society, better meet their everyday needs, and feel that their value and hard work is recognised by their employer. 

“We hope that Living Wage Week will inspire even more employers to join the Living Wage movement.”