The biggest bus operator in Glasgow has announced it will pay all its staff the Real Living Wage from April this ear.

First Bus said it means around 1300 workers across the UK will get a pay rise to at least £12 an hour.

The firm said the staff are spread across the business and will also include those employed through contractors.

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Once it is accredited as a Real Living Wage employer, it will become the biggest bus firm to make the commitment on pay.

The Real Living Wage at £12 per hour is a voluntary scheme and commits employers to paying higher than the UK Government’s National Minimum Wage and it applies to those over 18.

First Bus said it will go further and will include its apprentices in the scheme over the next 18 months.

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Janette Bell, First Bus Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Living Wage Foundation and look forward to achieving our real Living Wage commitment.

“I am thrilled this will positively impact 1300 of our colleagues with a pay rise from April 1 and that we are once again demonstrating to our people and the market that we care.

“Engaged employees encourage customers to travel more often. So, by treating our employees well, we are also helping to achieve our mission to get people out of their cars and onto the bus.

“We want First Bus to be a place where our people feel welcome, can be their true selves and succeed. It is vital that we do all we can to support our colleagues, and this is another important step in our transformation journey.”

Living Wage Scotland said it was pleased with the commitment from First to become a Living Wage employer.

Lynn Anderson, Living Wage Scotland Manager, said: “We're delighted that First Bus will be accrediting in April, giving a pay rise to hundreds of employees.

“First Bus will join more than 3,400 Scottish employers and 14,000 Living Wage employers across the UK who are committed to always paying their staff a wage in line with the cost of living. We look forward to welcoming First Bus to the Living Wage movement."