Two Rivers Veterinary Practice in the town join more than 2,700 employers across Scotland who are now accredited with the Living Wage scheme, which is backed by South Lanarkshire Council.

Living Wage accreditation formally recognises and celebrates employers who choose to go further than the government minimum.

Owner of the Two Rivers Veterinary Practice, Trevor Black, said: “As a practice we are continually trying to make improvements to support our team and make Two Rivers a great place to work. 

“Twelve members of the team received a pay rise as a result of Living Wage accreditation, one directly but the others as our pay scales were moved up as a result of accreditation. The accreditation process was very easy.

“By becoming Living Wage accredited, we recognise and hope to demonstrate to others that all team members working in a veterinary practice are highly skilled and certainly deserving of at least a Living Wage hourly rate. 

“Veterinary receptionists, animal care assistants and veterinary nurses are traditionally not well paid, which we think is wrong.” 

Chair of the council’s Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, Councillor Lesley McDonald, said: “Huge congratulations to Two Rivers for becoming the 100th accredited Living Wage employer in South Lanarkshire.

“It was an absolute pleasure to meet so many of the team and find out what a difference paying the Living Wage is making to them and their lives.

“Paying the real Living Wage is the right thing to do, and I would encourage as many employers as possible to do so if they are not doing it already.

“Becoming accredited also shows that you are proud to be a part of the Living Wage family.”

Gail Irvine, Manager, Living Wage Scotland said: “We are delighted to welcome Two Rivers Veterinary Practice to the Living Wage network in Scotland. They join more than 2,700 employers in Scotland committed to valuing their staff by paying a real living wage based on the cost of living.

“That there are now 100 accredited Living Wage employers in South Lanarkshire is testament to South Lanarkshire Council’s enduring support for the Living Wage, and the benefits Living Wage accredited employers gain, in terms of demonstrating their values and helping to attract, retain and motivate good people. We look forward to welcoming many more South Lanarkshire employers to the Living Wage movement.”

The real Living Wage is an independently calculated rate based on the cost of living and is paid voluntarily by employers.

The rate is currently £9.90 and is calculated annually by The Resolution Foundation on an analysis of the wage that employees need to earn in order to afford the basket of goods required for a decent standard of living. This basket of goods includes housing, childcare, transport and heating costs.

Sharing in the good news of Two Rivers becoming the 100th accredited South Lanarkshire Living Wage employer was Darcy, the Shetland Pony, and Breeze, the American miniature horse who are pictured above with Trevor and Two Rivers staff, Councillor McDonald and Rachel Morrison-McCormick from Living Wage Scotland.