Guidance on pay rates

SOSCN no longer offers advice on local government pay scales as each council is free to set their own now. SCVO members can contact them if they need to use these scales here:

“Many voluntary sector organisations ask what should they pay their staff? Some organisations use the local government SJC Salary Scales. SCVO is not involved in setting these scales or any pay negotiations, but SCVO members can access the payscales on the COSLA Employers website. Contact us to gain access: https://scvo.scot/”

Information follows on recommended rates and legal minimum rates.

1. The Real Living Wage Rates

Living Wage Foundation | For the real cost of living

The real Living Wage is based on the cost of living and is voluntarily paid by over 11,000 UK employers believe we all need a wage that meets our everyday needs. SOSCN recommends this where you can afford to do so.

£12.00 across the UK

2. National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates

National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.

This page is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

You must be at least:

• school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage
• aged 23 to get the National Living Wage - the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 22 and under

Current rates

These rates are for the National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age). The rates change on 1 April every year.

	21 and over	18 to 20	Under 18	Apprentice
April 2024	£11.44	£8.60	£6.40	£6.40

Apprentices

Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:

• aged under 19
• aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

Example

An apprentice aged 21 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £6.40.

Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they both:

• are aged 19 or over
• have completed the first year of their apprenticeship

Example

An apprentice aged 21 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £11.44.

3. SOSCN WORKFORCE SURVEY RESULTS

Full results of what school age childcare workers report being paid can be found here: https://soscn.org/policy/statistics

4. Scottish Labour Market information

Median Full-time Gross Weekly Earnings, Scotland and UK Gross median weekly earnings for full-time employees in Scotland were £640.50 in 2022, that is around £17 per hour based on a 37 hour week.

Annual Survey of Hours (pdf) (www.gov.scot)

All information is checked at time of publication but always check the dates and links for up to date information and SOSCN takes no legal responsibility as this factsheet is for guidance only.