A NATIONAL charity based in the Wee County is celebrating after becoming a real Living Wage employer.

Scottish Autism, based in Alloa, is the largest provider of autism-specific services in Scotland.

It is part of a growing number of employers across Scotland and the UK that have made a commitment to pay staff a wage which has been independently calculated to meet the cost of living.

Dorry McLaughlin, Scottish Autism chief executive, said: "Paying the real Living Wage is a commitment which demonstrates how much we value our staff and the high standard of support they provide to autistic people here in Fife and across Scotland.

"Scottish Autism is proud to join a growing number of employers in Scotland and the UK who pay their staff a wage which has been independently calculated based on the cost of living. We value our staff and reaffirm our commitment to paying them a fair wage.

"As well as being a real Living Wage employer we also take tremendous pride in the training and learning experience we provide our colleagues, our career progression opportunities, and that the majority of our staff have remained with the charity for over 5 years.

"We also believe in the power of the relationships that our colleagues form with their supported individuals to enable them to live healthy, happy and fulfilling lives. If you too believe in the power of relationships we would love to hear from you."

The real Living Wage rate currently stands at £9.90 per hour for all ages groups and is re-calculated each November.

It is higher than the government-set National Living Wage (£9.50 for over-23s) and the National Minimum Wage, which is £9.18 for 21-22 year olds and £6.83 for 18-20 year olds.

Gail Irvine, Living Wage Scotland manager, added: "We're delighted that Scottish Autism have reaffirmed their commitment to paying the real Living Wage.

"They are part of a growing movement of over 2,500 employers in Scotland who together want to ensure their workers have what they need to thrive.

"Too many workers in Scotland are paid less than the real Living Wage and, at a time of rising costs, are struggling to stay afloat.

"The real Living Wage can offer protection from those rising costs.

"We hope that Scottish Autism's reaffirmation of their commitment will encourage other employers across Scotland to follow their example."

Autism affects an estimated 56,000 people in Scotland, or around one in 100 people.

Scottish Autism is the leading provider of autism specific services across Scotland, and advocate of good autism practice. Their mission is to enable autistic people to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.