First police service brings in living wage

The decision to introduce Scotland's recognised living wage of £7.45 an hour was welcomed by public-service union Unison.

The union proposed the move to provide a financial boost for low-paid staff and is celebrating success after the service's police board backed the policy.

Cleaner May Couper, who works in Stirling police office, is one of the members to benefit from the rise.

She said: "With the cost of living increasing, the introduction of the living wage and the increase in take-home pay was very welcome."

Unison steward Raymond Farrell added that the pay increase affected more than 20 people who were "very pleased with the extra money in their pockets.

"Central Scotland Police must be given full credit for being the first police service in the United Kingdom to recognise the importance of the living wage," he said.

"It is inspiring that, as the second smallest force in Scotland, we can lead the way on something so important.

"Unison is calling for the new Scottish Police Authority to follow Central Scotland and introduce it to all Scottish police staff."

The service has been granted formal accreditation and national recognition as a living-wage employer.

Accreditation is administered by the Living Wage Foundation on behalf of Citizens UK.