A fund to help businesses, charities and other organisations
adopt fair work practices has opened for applications.
Grants are available to implement changes such as the delivery of
workplace training and processes that support flexible working
and help to create and sustain a more diverse workforce.
The Fairer Workplaces Fund adds to Scottish Government measures
supporting fair work, including making payment of the real Living
Wage and providing an effective voice for workers a condition of
grant awards.
Employment Minister visited McAllister Litho
Glasgow, a commercial print company, to learn about the benefits
of fair work from staff. The printworks offers its employees the
option of working compressed work hours, swapping shifts and
making minor adjustments to their hours. During the cost of
living crisis, the business also paid its staff an extra £500 a
month for six months to help with rising prices.
Mr Arthur said:
“Offering flexible shift patterns, remote working and making
workplaces more accessible are among the relatively simple steps
that can help more people into work and ensure they are able to
stay there.
“They are also good for business. Experience shows that adopting
fair work practices can help recruitment and improve staff
retention. This new fund and the dissemination of the learning
from it will help more companies – and Scotland's wider economy -
reap those benefits.
“The company I'm visiting today demonstrate how supporting your
workforce goes hand-in-hand with running a successful company.”
Managing Director and Owner of McAllister Litho
Janette McAllister said:
“The implementation of flexible working at McAllister Litho
Glasgow has resulted in a happier and more satisfied workforce.
Employee happiness translates into ongoing loyalty and hard work,
ultimately benefiting the business.
“We are a team and we need to work together. If someone needs a
bit of flexibility and we can provide that, we will because we
know we'll benefit from that person's loyalty and hard work in
return.
“Recognising the pivotal role of a dedicated team, I acknowledge
that fostering flexibility not only makes good business sense but
also aligns with our commitment to doing what is right.”
Background
The Fund which totals £350,000 is open for applications until
Sunday, 1 September 2024.
