CELTIC have agreed to pay all in-house staff the equivalent of the new "living wage", but accused politicians of hijacking the campaign for salary improvements at the club.
The Scottish champions said they would pay about 180 employees a minimum of £7.85 per hour, the same as the living wage, but would not sign up to the scheme as it would mean "handing over decision-making on salaries to another agency".
Celtic have been under pressure for over a year from their own support, as well as campaigners and some politicians, to introduce the living wage for all those employed by the club, even via outside contractors.
The club's board refused at last year's annual general meeting, claiming it would cost more than £500,000.
However, at yesterday's AGM, club chairman Ian Bankier said the board understood it was an important issue and had listened.
Mr Bankier also called on the Government to address the national minimum wage, claiming Celtic "shouldn't be put in the position we are put in". He added: "We have a corporate responsibility to manage this club the best way possible. What we would do with that mantle on us is call on government to sort this thing out.
"This is a hot potato for government and the current administration should be picking it up. Why is there such a difference, a 20 per cent difference, between a living wage and the government [minimum wage]?"
Chief executive Peter Lawwell said: "We have been used. Our club has been used over this campaign by politicians and others. They have hitched their wagon to Celtic for the profile of their own political agenda.
"We are a football club. We do so much in the community but we can't change government policy."
About 180 staff, primarily involved in Celtic's retail operation, will benefit.
It will apply to all those directly employed full-time by Celtic, but not those on zero-hour contracts or employed by outside contractors, mainly catering staff and most match-day stewards. It is expected to cost Celtic around £350,000 to implement.
Jeanette Findlay, of the Celtic Trust, described the move as a positive "first step", but added the group would continue to push for full living wage accreditation.
Mr Lawwell also targeted some of his ire at new Rangers powerbroker Mike Ashley's retail empire and its approach to salaries.
Claiming the terms and conditions of employees of Sports Direct were "less than ours", he added: "There are 180 of them, mainly in retail, which is a very competitive business. Ironically, the competitor is Sports Direct and we are getting the spotlight."
Ms Findlay said: "The chairman's announcement at the start of the AGM that the club is going to pay the living wage to all 'permanent' staff is welcome and we commend them for that.
"However, living wage accreditation entails paying this rate to all staff and agreeing to an annual uprate."
Peter Kelly of the Living Wage Campaign welcomed the move as a "first step", adding: "This is the result of more than 18 months campaigning and shows that vigorous efforts have paid off. Celtic will have recognised the business case here and know it makes sense."
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