Preserves business R&W Scott, which was sold to its management team by Real Good Food last year, has been accredited as a Living Wage Employer.

The business, based in Carluke, Lanarkshire, said achieving the accreditation had been a priority following the management buyout in December.

The Living Wage commitment will see all 90 R&W Scott workers receive pay above the Living Wage rate of £9 per hour. The government minimum for over-25s is currently £8.21 per hour.

R&W Scott, which has been producing jams and preserves for more than 130 years, also makes chocolate flavoured coatings, sweet and savoury spreads and soft icings for retail, foodservice and wholesale customers worldwide.

Last year’s management buyout was led by managing director John Easton (pictured above) and fellow directors Stephen Currie and Michael Hewitt.

“Achieving Living Wage accreditation was one of our priorities when we took over the business at the end of 2018 and is a fundamental part of our commitment to being a fair and responsible employer,” said Easton.

The Living Wage Foundation said more than 5,000 employers across the UK had now voluntarily committed to exceed the government minimum wage.

“R&W Scott join thousands of small businesses, as well as household names such as Ikea, Heathrow Airport, Barclays, Chelsea and Everton Football Clubs and many more,” said Living Wage Foundation director Katherine Chapman.

“These businesses recognise that paying the real Living Wage is the mark of a responsible employer and believe that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay."