A campaign has been launched to tackle low pay in Glasgow City Region.

The region, home to 1.85 million people, aims to become the first in Scotland to be recognised as a Living Wage Place.

Backed by Living Wage Scotland and local leaders, the campaign has targets set to increase the number of accredited Living Wage employers and the number of employees receiving at least the real Living Wage.

The real Living Wage, an independently calculated rate based on the cost of living, is currently set at £12.60.

Unlike the national minimum wage, this is voluntarily paid by employers.

The campaign is being driven by an action group of employers, which includes all eight local councils, NHS boards, large businesses, charities, and smaller employers.

The group will encourage other employers to pay the real Living Wage, sharing their positive experiences.

Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council and chairperson of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet, said: "Tackling low pay is crucial to creating a stronger, more inclusive economy and improving productivity across the city region.

"That’s why we want to invite more organisations to play their part in making Glasgow City Region a Living Wage Place by becoming accredited Living Wage employers.

"By doing so we can all reap the rewards of a more engaged and productive workforce, while making sure that everyone receives a fair wage for fair work."

There are currently almost 1,300 accredited Living Wage Employers in the Glasgow City Region.

The action group is working to increase this number to almost 2,000 over the next three years, boosting the number of workers in the region earning at least the real Living Wage by at least 7,500.

Rachel Morrison McCormick, living wage projects coordinator, said: "We know that the Living Wage is good for businesses as well as workers, and good for society.

"We’re delighted that an Action Group of employers are committed to making Glasgow City Region a Living Wage Place, to ensure many more workers can be protected from working poverty and moved on to a wage that meets their everyday needs.

"When more jobs are paid at least the real Living Wage, this can result in additional spending in the local economy too."

Research has shown that Living Wage Accredited Employers have made savings on retention, recruitment, and training new staff.