Up to a quarter of the workforce in the Western Isles will see their pay packets boosted this year as part of Labour’s rise in the National Living Wage.
Torcuil Crichton MP welcomed on Tuesday the real-terms increase which will see full-time
workers in the islands on the National Living Wage get a £1400 rise.
The UK Labour Government is raising wages for up to 220,000 Scots, boosting living standards and kickstarting growth.
According to Low Pay Commission figures the new minimum wage setting could see 25
per cent of the 16,000-strong workforce in the Western Isles get a pay rise.
Mr Crichton said: “The rise in the National Living Wage will provide families with better financial stability, improve living standards and help the economy of the islands grow.
“Because of the small population statistically it is difficult to pinpoint how many beneficiaries there are but up to 4,000 islanders could benefit from Labour’s wage boost.”
Mr Crichton said: "Labour has always been the party of working people and so I am
proud that the UK Labour government will raise wages for thousands of people across
Na h-Eileanan an Iar.
"For someone in the Western Isles working full time on the National Living Wage, these changes mean a £1,400 pay rise.
“For local apprentices, it will mean a pay rise of 18 per cent, a real vote of confidence in the next generation of workers."
He added: "Along with the 36 other Scottish Labour MPs, I have been backing the Labour government's plans to increase wages and give more Scots the opportunity of well paid, secure work.”
On top of this, the Employment Rights Bill will release an additional £600 a year to some of the lowest paid workers. This will ensure that these workers receive an uplift to wages that delivers better quality of life.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: "This well-deserved pay rise for up to 220,000
Scots is a landmark moment in the UK Government's Plan for Change.
“It will boost economic growth and put more money in people’s pockets - we will always
ensure that working people benefit.
"We are taking comprehensive action to deliver the biggest improvements to workers’ rights in a generation, where jobs will not only be better paid, but more secure and with employees having stronger rights.
"We will continue to do whatever is necessary to help more people into work - while
always supporting those who cannot - as we secure Britain's future and a decade of
renewal for households the length and breadth of Scotland."
Workers get pay rises under National Living Wage changes
1 April 2025
