A Lanarkshire recycling firm has handed staff a cash boost by signing up to the Government's Living Wage scheme.
Newtown Waste Solutions & Skip Hire employs around 60 people and has an 18-strong fleet of vehicles based in Motherwell.
The firm says that, on average, 95 per cent of waste brought to its state of the art depot is recycled.
Newtown, which has been in business for around 15 years, has now been accredited as a Living Wage Employer which means it is committed to paying all staff a minimum hourly wage of £9.50.
That rate will change next week when the Government is set to announce an increase.
Company director Martin McLindon believes paying all employees the Living Wage is "not common" within the industry, but it's important for staff morale.
He told Lanarkshire Live : "The last 18 months have been very challenging for the business, but our staff have stepped up to the mark and helped us to continue to offer vital services to our customers.
"This is us saying thanks to our staff and letting them know we appreciate them.
"It affects only a small number of staff as most are already earning well beyond the Living Wage.
"Too many workers in Scotland have suffered enough throughout this pandemic. Offering the Living Wage as a minimum helps them with their everyday needs and lets them know that we value their work and appreciate them."
In Scotland, more than 350,000 jobs - more than 15 per cent - pay less than the Living Wage.
Since 2011 the Living Wage movement has delivered a pay rise to more than 45,000 people in Scotland, putting £240 million extra into the pockets of low paid workers.
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