NICOLA Sturgeon has said the Scottish Government will become the latest organisation to register as an official Living Wage employer.
The First Minister said that she hoped the move would encourage other organisations to sign up to the accreditation scheme, which more than 200 organisations have joined meaning they publicly commit to paying workers at least £7.85 an hour.
Ms Sturgeon, who faced criticism last week after it emerged that she had not personally signed up for the scheme despite paying the Living Wage to her constituency staff, has set a target of 500 organisations signing up by March next year.
It is understood that several MSPs, including Ms Sturgeon, have contacted the Poverty Alliance to express an interest in receiving accreditation as Living Wage employers since it emerged last week that only seven Holyrood parliamentarians had done so.
Ms Sturgeon said: "The Scottish Government is committed to fairness and supporting those on the lowest incomes, and we recognise the real difference the Living Wage can make to the people of Scotland. Research published just last week highlighted enhanced productivity, reduced absenteeism and better staff morale as just some of its potential benefits.
"The Scottish Government has been paying all of its staff above the level of the Living Wage for some time but now we are happy to say that we are amongst the number of officially accredited employers - a step which further demonstrates our commitment to payment of the Living Wage in Scotland.
"However, more needs to be done. We are committed to having 500 Scots-based Living Wage accredited employers by March 2016, a decisive long-term commitment to those on the lowest pay."
The Scottish Living Wage Accreditation Initiative is operated by the Poverty Alliance and has been operating since April 2014.
Peter Kelly, Director of the Poverty Alliance, said: "The Living Wage is an important tool in helping lift people out of poverty and we are celebrating that the Scottish Government has chosen to lead by example.
"With almost two thirds of children in poverty in Scotland living in a household where someone works, it is now more important than ever that people are adequately remunerated for their labour."
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