Accreditation Secured to Support Dundee’s Living Wage City Campaign

A local security system supplier has signed up to be the latest business in the city to become Living Wage accredited.

SPG Integrated, based in the Dundee Technology Park, are a firm who specialise in the installation of various security products such as access controls and alarm systems.

Directors Billy Robertson and Euan Borland started the business as a result of the collapse of Dundee-based construction services firm McGill. Since then, the business has seen continued growth and is thriving, with plans for expansion including apprenticeships for local young people.

Both Euan and Billy see paying the real Living Wage, currently £12.60 per hour, as a non-negotiable and while already paying above the rate see accreditation as a benefit to them as they seek new contracts, to retain their current workforce and attract the best talent.

Billy said: “We are delighted to be part of the Living Wage as we realise that our workforce are the most valuable asset to our company and therefore, we want to look after them in all aspects.”

Euan said: “We realise that being a Living Wage accredited company will make us an attractive prospect to future employees which helps us continue to build a strong, reliable team as we expand and grow our business.”

Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure Convener Cllr Steven Rome visited SPG Integrated office’s, with members of the Dundee Living Wage Action Group, to formally welcome them to the family of over 120 Living Wage employers in the city and congratulate them on accreditation.

Cllr Rome said: “It was great to meet with Billy and Euan from SPG Integrated and officially welcome them to the Dundee Living Wage family. 

“They spoke so passionately about paying their staff the real Living Wage and explained the benefits it has to them in terms of staff retention and employee job satisfaction.

“Our discussions were really informative and will help the action group going forward to engage with and reach out to similar businesses in the sector and those they work with.

“It was really helpful to hear that despite already paying above the living wage, they still saw the value in becoming an accredited employer.”

Lynn Anderson, Living Wage Scotland Manager said: “We’re thrilled to welcome SPG Integrated to the Living Wage network of employers in Dundee, as the Dundee Living Wage Action Group unveils its refreshed brand.

“Employers like SPG Integrated recognise that security and stability can help create a happier, healthier and more motivated workforce and we hope to see many more employers join them in going further than the minimum.”

Earlier in the year the Living Wage Foundation unveiled it’s a new brand identity with a refreshed design to reflect the scale, ambition and future direction of the Living Wage movement and campaign.

This visit was the first time the refreshed “Making Dundee a Living Wage City” branding was used after consultation with the Dundee Living Wage Action group and Living Wage Scotland. It’s hoped this new look will help to raise awareness of the campaign while rejuvenating the relationship between the action group and local business to strengthen the partnership between them.

Cllr Rome added: “As we launch the new look branding for the campaign, I look forward to visiting more accredited employers in the city and proactively exploring with others about accreditation. I would encourage any business wanting to know more to please get in touch.”

More information about the ‘Making A Living Wage Living City’ campaign as well as contact details for the action group can be found on the council’s website.