A union representing workers at a company run by family members of Scottish labor leader Anas Sarwar said they are paid wages above their real wages.
Sarwar – whose party promises a new deal for workers – was previously accused of hypocrisy by political opponents after telling the BBC that not all United Wholesale employees currently received the rate.
But in a statement released on Sunday evening, the Usdaw union said recent pay negotiations meant all staff now received an income above the living wage.
Anas Sarwar has no direct involvement and has resigned from shares in United Wholesale, which his father originally founded.
The political row followed an interview on the BBC’s Sunday Show in which Sarwar outlined Labour’s plans for new minimum wages linked to the cost of living.
The real hourly wage advocated by the Living Wage Foundation is currently set at £12 nationwide and £13.15 in London.
This is 56 cents more than the current national minimum wage – introduced by Labor as part of its 1997 election manifesto.
When asked whether the wholesale business run by members of his family currently pays the real living wage, he responded: “I don’t believe all employees are paid the living wage.
“But I know there have been significant increases in wages following negotiations with Usdaw, your union.
“All companies, including this one, will have to comply with the new deal for workers, which will deliver a genuine living wage across the country.”
Political opponents quickly responded to his comments.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said it was a “startling revelation” and accused him of hypocrisy.
Scottish Conservative deputy leader Craig Hoy said it was “humiliating” for Sarwar and left him “open to the accusation of hypocrisy”.
But on Sunday evening, a Usdaw spokesperson issued a clarification, saying: “Usdaw has a union recognition agreement with United Wholesale Scotland and we have negotiated payment with the company.
“In our last negotiation, we agreed on a wage agreement that provided an income above the actual minimum living wage for all employees.”
The spokesperson continued: “We urge political parties to get their own house in order.”
Labor sources said that as the negotiations are between Usdaw and United Wholesale, Mr Sarwar was unaware of the terms of any agreement.
