Eildon Housing Association has increased its hourly rate of pay in line with the Living Wage Foundation’s recommended new rate.

The Accredited Living Wage employer, which became one of a pioneering group of employers to pay the real Living Wage back in 2016, began paying the new rate last month.

The real Living Wage is independently calculated based on what employees and their families need to get by.

Nile Istephan, chief executive of Eildon Housing Association, said: “As from 1 April 2017 we will have nearly 30 of our staff who will receive an increase in pay which will amount to at least 2.5% increase to their annual salary. This not only helps our employees afford to live comfortably but also helps our business by improving motivation, and retaining and attracting a quality workforce.”

Mr Peter Kelly, director of Poverty Alliance Scotland, added: “With 70% of children in poverty in Scotland living in households where someone is in work, paying a real Living Wage that reflects the cost of living has never been more important.

“I would like to congratulate Eildon Housing Association on their accreditation and their commitment to tackling in-work poverty and hope that other employers in the area will follow suit and join the growing number of Scottish employers recognised for paying a real Living Wage.”

Annmarie Borthwick, support worker at Eildon’s Station Avenue, which provides care and support solutions for people with learning disabilities, said: “Being on the Living Wage has made a huge difference to my life and for my kids. The increase in income from my last job has meant that not only could we buy our first home, but we are also being able to go on our first ever family holiday abroad this year. I love my job and having a bit more money is an added bonus for us.”

Emma Harris, a modern apprentice in the corporate services team at Eildon’s Weaving Shed office, added: “Being on the living wage has so many positive aspects. It means I make enough money to live on and even enough to save a percentage each month. I earn enough to pay a small amount towards my pension which will benefit me in the far future. I am really pleased that I am receiving the new Living Wage rate and work within such a great organisation.”