McKean Developments Ltd — a small but thriving business in the town — was this morning named as the 100th company in Scotland to achieve the status.

The Poverty Alliance, which runs the Living Wage Accreditation scheme in Scotland, has indicated that more than 100,000 employees of accredited companies are now benefiting from the Living Wage.

And speaking on a visit to McKean Developments this morning, the First Minister welcomed the progress being made and encouraged other organisations to sign up.

She told the News: “It is great news that 100 companies are now accredited as Livng Wage employers. The Scottish Government fully supports the Living Wage campaign and we recognise the real difference the living wage makes to the working people of Scotland.

“The Scottish Government is not able to set pay levels in the private sector, or indeed the wider public sector in Scotland where employees are not covered by our pay policy, however we do encourage all public, private and third sector organisations to ensure all staff on lower incomes receive a fair level of pay, and we are funding the Poverty Alliance to take forward the accreditation scheme.

“The list of 100 accredited companies clearly demonstrates it is not big businesses who are providing a fairer deal for their staff but small companies like McKean Developments Ltd which is guaranteeing the Living Wage for their staff.” Colin McLean, sales and technical manager for the Barrhead-based company, said: “As a Living Wage employer it is our belief that our workforce deserve to be paid an honest and decent wage in return for their services. It’s that simple.

“This, in turn, has helped increase both production capability and morale within our business, leading to increased customer satisfaction and a top quality finished product, not to mention a better quality of life for all of our employees.”