Living Wage For Highland Council Employees By April 2013

2nd October 2012

The lowest paid employees of The Highland Council will benefit from the introduction of a £7.20 an hour wage from April next year. The national UK minimum wage from 1st October is £6.16 per hour (see below for details of age rules and amounts)

Members of the Council's Finance, Housing and Resources Committee today agreed to introduce the Scottish Living Wage by applying a living wage supplement to all employees currently paid less than £7.20 per hour to bring them up to £7.20 per hour from 1 April 2013.

Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Drew Hendry said: "This early delivery of a Programme commitment is great news for the Highlands. I am extremely pleased to announce the Highland Council apprentices will be included in our living wage proposals. This shows a commitment to young people in the Highlands in providing the right start for them."

Councillor Dave Fallows, Chairman of The Highland Council's Finance, Housing and Resources Committee welcomed the move towards the introduction of a living wage for all council employees, he said: "The living wage is a clear commitment in the Programme for The Highland Council. By introducing a living wage of £7.20 per hour, we are not only helping our lowest paid workers but we also improving the economy of the Highlands by increasing the income of those who live and work in the area."

Highland Council Youth Convener, John Erskine congratulated the Council on its swift implementation of its manifesto commitment, he said: "I'm delighted to see that Highland Council has backed the living wage for all employees regardless of age and to see that this commitment will include apprentices. I think it shows the council and its Administration are in touch with the issues and concerns of young people who are typically at the lower end of the pay scale and will benefit greatly from this change. Today was a great first step forward to ensure better pay and wages for all in the Highlands."

Members also agreed that the living wage supplement will be subject to annual review by the Council; and that the Council will begin formal consultation with the trade unions on proposals to introduce monthly pay for all employees.

The introduction of the living wage will benefit over 600 Council staff, 90% of whom are female as well as an estimated 15 apprentices in Housing and Property, and TEC Services.

The cost of introducing the living wage for the Council is estimated at £322k per annum. This includes pension and National Insurance costs.

The new Living Wage for the lowest paid Highland Council employees will be just over £1 per hour more than the national UK minimum wage.

Minimum Wage In UK From 1 October 2012
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is a minimum amount per hour that most workers in the UK are entitled to be paid. The rate depends on age and whether the worker is an apprentice.

New rates from October 2012
The new rates will come into force on 1 October 2012, as follows:
£6.19 per hour for workers aged 21 and over - a rise of 11p
£4.98 per hour for 18-20 year olds - no change
£3.68 per hour for workers above school leaving age but under 18 - no change
£2.65 per hour for apprentices - a rise of 5p

Pay and Work Rights Helpline contact details
For confidential help and advice about the NMW, call 0800 917 2368

For more information on national minimum wages see -
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_201426

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

8/6/2026 : Local Authority

Hop on Board: £2 Bus Fares Make Exploring the Highlands Easier Than Ever

£2 Bus Fare Scheme Drives Accessible and Sustainable Travel Across the Highlands With the school holidays approaching, The Highland Council is encouraging residents and visitors to make the most of the £2 single fare cap on its in-house bus services.   The initiative is helping to make public transport more accessible and affordable, particularly for families looking for low-cost ways to travel during the summer months.  

7/6/2026 : Local Authority

Apprenticeship pathways to build a future Highland workforce

Highland Council's education committee members have praised the apprenticeship programmes offering more young people the chance to learn skills and equip them for the world of work.   Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) and Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) in Highland are growing strongly, with participation now well above national averages.  

6/6/2026 : Local Authority

The slow unravelling of a promise: why the £100 million Thurso schools project may already be drifting into delay

The announcement of a six‑week consultation on the future of Thurso High School should have been a moment of clarity — a sign that after years of discussion, Highland Council was finally ready to move from aspiration to action.  Instead, it has exposed a deeper truth about the state of capital investment in the Highlands - The numbers no longer add up.  

5/6/2026 : Local Authority

New ‘Better Off Calculator’ to support Highland residents and improve financial outcomes

The cost of living continues to place significant pressure on household finances, which affects the affordability of essential goods and services, particularly home energy, food and fuel.   As these pressures persist, access to high‑quality advice, and clear information about the financial help and support available to residents across Highland is more important than ever.  

4/6/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council agrees to consult on major investment in Thurso schools

Highland Council’s Education Committee has (3 June 2026) agreed to launch a statutory consultation on proposals to transform education provision in Thurso.   The decision marks an important step in shaping future investment in Thurso’s schools, giving pupils, parents, staff and the wider community the opportunity to help influence how modern, high quality education provision is developed for the town.  

3/6/2026 : Local Authority

 
New Access Rangers begin patrols across Highland for the 2026 season

Last week marked the start of patrols for The Highland Council’s 2026 Seasonal Access Rangers team, a dedicated group working to promote responsible enjoyment of the Highlands natural environment.   Funded by The Highland Council, the team will play a key role in supporting visitors and local communities.  

3/6/2026 : Local Authority

Areas of Linguistic Significance - an opportunity to put Highland communities at the heart of Gaelic development

On Wednesday this week (3 June) The Highland Council is aiming to take a major step forward in strengthening its support for Gaelic, recognising the linguistic, educational, historical and cultural connections which exist right across our region.   Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee is to consider a recommendation to adopt a Highland‑wide designation as an Area of Linguistic Significance (ALS) for Gaelic under the Scottish Languages Act 2025.  

2/6/2026 : Local Authority

 
New West Highland Way route offers an improved option into Fort William

Walkers finishing the West Highland Way now have a new, scenic option as they arrive into Fort William Town Centre.   The West Highland Way is internationally recognised as one of the world’s top long-distance walks.  

2/6/2026 : Local Authority

£397, 317 Available for Community Projects in Caithness - Time To Apply

At The Highland Council’s Economy & Infrastructure committee held on 28 May 2026, members agreed the distribution of Highland Coastal Communities Funding (HCCF) allocation across the local area committees.   HCCF funding is allocated to Highland Council from the Scottish Government.  

2/6/2026 : Local Authority

Committee approves continued investment in nature restoration across Highland communities

Nature Restoration Fund update to Economy & Infrastructure Committee Members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting community-led projects and Council initiatives that protect and enhance the natural environment.   The Nature Restoration Fund report provided Members with an update on the Scottish Government-funded programme.