AN AYRSHIRE-BASED social care charity has been recognised as a Living Wage employer.

Hansel helps people with additional support needs to live independent and fulfilling lives at its Hansel Village base near Symington.

The recognition means all Hansel staff will receive a minimum of £12 per hour, above the government's established £11.44 per hour minimum for individuals over 21.

Ali Mundell, Hansel's director of people and development, said: “Hansel have chosen to become a Real Living Wage accredited employer to demonstrate our commitment to being an employer of choice.

"It shows our entire team, supporters, suppliers and prospective team members that we believe it is important that everyone receives a fair level of pay that reflects the cost of living - we are pleased to join the movement to end in-work poverty in Scotland”.

Peter Kelly, director of The Poverty Alliance, said: "We all need an income that is enough to cover our needs and protect us from poverty, and it’s only right that employers pay a wage that reflects the cost of living.

"Congratulations to Hansel on their Living Wage commitment, and I hope more organisations follow their lead by becoming Living Wage accredited."

Lynn Anderson, manager of Living Wage Scotland, said: “We’re delighted that Hansel has become an accredited Living Wage employer.

"They join a growing movement of over 3600 employers in Scotland who together want to ensure workers have what they need.”

Scotland leads the UK nations in Living Wage payment, with 91 percent of jobs paying at least the real Living Wage.

However, nearly one in 10 jobs still pay less than the standard wage which equates to 221,000 jobs.

The Living Wage initiative has benefited more than 64,000 Scottish workers since 2011, adding more than £485 million to the earnings of low-paid employees.