Scottish oats company Stoats has been accredited as a Living Wage employer and, as the 1,000th company in Scotland to do so, it received recognition of the achievement with a visit from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Visiting the company’s Edinburgh HQ during Living Wage week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met staff and congratulated the company on gaining accreditation.
Stoats, founded in 2005, employs 33 people. It earned Living Wage accreditation shortly after moving to a new production facility three months ago.
The First Minister said: “I am delighted that Scotland has reached this landmark during Living Wage Week. I congratulate Stoats on their commitment to demonstrate leadership in the business community by paying workers a fair, living wage.
“Evidence shows paying the Real Living Wage leads to increased productivity, better morale and lower sickness absence. It also demonstrates to the world that the organisation is committed to treating its workforce well.”
Tony Stone, Managing Director of Stoats, commented: “Our staff are absolutely integral to our brand. We appreciate the hard work our team commits to produce 38,000 porridge oat bars by hand daily, consistently delivering quality products for our customers.
“We are very proud to be a Living Wage employer and to receive this recognition from the First Minister on our commitment to our workforce.”
