BUSINESSES in Cumnock and Doon Valley are being encouraged to sign up to the Scottish Living Wage by the area’s MSP.

Jeane Freeman, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, wants to see her constituents earn a fair wage, however, there are currently only nine accredited living wage employers in East Ayrshire.

Based on the cost of living, the so-called ‘real living wage’ is £8.45 per hour, 95p higher than the minimum wage for workers over 25.

The SNP MSP is writing to writing to employers across Cumnock and Doon Valley to try and get them to explore the benefits of accreditation.

Research shows that paying the real living wage leads to a fall in absenteeism and a significant impact on recruitment and staff retention.

Commenting, Ms Freeman said: “The real living wage can make a huge difference to both workers and employers. For business, paying the living wage makes sense - it’s an investment in people and all the evidence shows it leads to increased productivity and reduced staff absence and turnover.

“Around 20 per cent of Scotland’s workforce earn less than the real living wage. With low pay one of the main drivers of in-work poverty, it’s vital that employers who can pay the real living wage do so. I would strongly encourage all employers in Cumnock and Doon Valley to look into the real benefits of becoming an accredited living wage employer.”