A LEADING North-east organic recycling company, which numbers amongst its staff many high earners, has pledged to boost the pay of workers at the lower end of its pay scales in support of The Scottish Government and a national campaign.
Keenan Recycling, which is based in New Deer, Aberdeenshire, and specialises in turning food and garden waste into BSI accredited bulk organic fertilizer compost for agriculture and horticulture use, has raised the level of money it pays some of its lower paid workers, ensuring that all employees are now paid no less than the Living Wage standards.
The Living Wage, which is set by the Living Wage Foundation as a reflection on the economic climate in today’s society, is based on the amount that an individual needs to earn to cover basic costs of living in the UK.
The voluntary wage, which will be set at £7.85 per hour from 1 April 2015 as part of 2015-16 pay settlements, is not a legally enforceable minimum level of pay for employers, unlike the National Minimum Wage, which is currently £6.50 for workers aged 21 and over.
Keenan Recycling, which currently employs 50 members of staff at its award-winning site, was inspired to comply with the standard following the Scottish Government’s statements on tackling poverty and the Living Wage.
The number of Living Wage companies in Scotland has tripled from 20 to 60 in the last six months, with 60 companies based in Scotland paying the wage, according to the Living Wage Foundation.
In the last year, organisations including Standard Life, RBS and the SECC have all become accredited employers.
Alex Salmond MSP said: “It’s fantastic to see Keenan Recycling making a commitment to the Living Wage and I’m sure it will see their business go from strength to strength.
“That’s because the living wage isn’t just great news for individuals, it is good for employers too – helping to increase morale and productivity in the workforce and improving staff retention.
“The North-east of Scotland is the economic powerhouse of the country, but it’s important that the wealth is used to create a fairer society and the benefits shared more equally.
“Growing the number of living wage companies is a key priority for the SNP in government and it’s great to see that Keenan Recycling is leading the charge in my constituency.”
Grant Keenan, managing director of Keenan Recycling, said: “We have a good team of workers at Keenan Recycling, and we wish to support all of them, including those who are setting out at the lower end of the pay scale. We are also supportive of the Scottish Government’s efforts to encourage those employers who can pay the Living Wage and remain viable to do so.”
Keenan Recycling, which was launched in 2001, was recently awarded the Transport award at this years Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Awards. The specialist recycling firm has doubled its commercial food waste customers to more than 1800 since the launch of the Waste (Scotland) Regulations in January 2014, and transforms 60,000 tonnes of segregated organic waste into BSI accredited soil improver for agriculture and horticulture use.
Issued on behalf of Keenan (Recycling Ltd) by Frasermedia Ltd.
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