The leader of Angus council has hit back at a fellow councillor’s warning against the introduction of the living wage.
Iain Gaul has responded after Independent councillor Bob Myles said the introduction of the £7.45 living wage could result in firms having to make cutbacks on jobs.
Last week Mr Myles said: ”If we’re going to introduce this living wage at a time we’re asking some staff to reduce theirs by 1% and increasing those at the bottom 16%, that will have repercussions.”
However, Mr Gaul has now rejected that suggestion by his fellow councillor.
”He’s saying things that are factually incorrect,” said Mr Gaul.
”He’s pulling things out of thin air.
”As far as I’m aware there are no thoughts of asking staff to reduce their wages by 1%.
”The living wage was agreed in discussion, not just with Angus Council but with leaders of the other constituent local authorities and COSLA.
”It has been well thought-out and not plucked out the air.
”It may have an effect on Tayside Contract staff but that’s something that all three councils are in active discussions over and an issue they are trying to resolve.
”Team Angus will look at it and take the best decision for Angus. I must underline that no one has been asked to take a 1% reduction in their wages.”
Tayside Contracts was unavailable for comment yesterday.
A short time ago, it was claimed council employees in Angus and the Mearns were being given a raw deal by their employers.
A call to increase wage levels for Angus and Aberdeenshire Council staff was made by North East politician Richard Baker, as the concept of a ”living wage” has become a hot topic of late.
Mr Baker said: ”A living wage can lift families out of poverty and, at the same time, can reduce reliance on private debt.
”Employers across the public and private sectors have also found that it can make good business sense, too.
”Also, by boosting people’s wages, the spending power that is introduced can help local businesses.
”I know, with the Scottish Government’s cuts to local authorities, it may not be an easy move but I believe it is the right one.”
The issue of the living wage was highlighted by a members’ debate in the Scottish Parliament last month, led by Labour’s Kezia Dugdale.