A GLASGOW employer has found paying the living wage improves staff retention.

The leisure industry often suffers from high staff turnover but Arlington Baths has cracked the problem by paying higher salaries.

Owned and run by members, the baths first opened at the time of the Public Health Act in 1870 and was the first swimming club in Glasgow. It is now Europe’s oldest members’ swimming club.

Considered by some to be the precursor to the growth of public swimming, Arlington Baths in the West End was used as a place to bathe before baths and showers were installed in private homes. “At that time, the West End was an industrial area and people came to get a bath and shower before work in the morning then would come back afterwards for a swim,” explained General Manager Andrew McGilp.

It has continued as a members’ club since then but over the years has added improvements such as a weights and CV gymnasium, saunas, a Turkish suite and relaxation rooms.

It is one of only three Victorian members’ clubs left in Scotland with 1000 members and seven full-time employees and four casual staff.

“We are a very tight knit organisation and work as a team, which is one of the reasons the living wage was introduced,” said McGilp. “It was a reward for our staff as it was felt the previous hourly rate was not substantial enough.”

The club is run by the staff on behalf of the board of directors who took the decision around three years ago to introduce the living wage. It was introduced in April 2014 and had an immediate effect on staff morale and staff retention.

“It does affect the differentials for those who are a bit more senior but at the end of the day we felt it was important as it allows the staff to provide appropriately for themselves and their families,” said McGilp. “It has also improved staff retention. The turnover in leisure facilities is normally quite high but not in this one since we introduced the living wage. I have been general manager for three years and during this time only two members of staff have left and that was just after I joined. We have got a well-qualified team now and we work well together.

“I also think paying the living wage creates a positive awareness of the club and our commitment to being an ethical employer. It provides a good image and we are very proud to be associated with the living wage campaign.”

McGilp said the increase had made a big difference to the staff and meant they were now able to afford better holidays and the opportunity to even buy a house or a car.

“I firmly believe the staff appreciate the investment the club has made in them,” he said.

Since it was launched in April 2014, more than 500 organisations in Scotland have signed up to the scheme to become accredited as official living wage employers, giving their workers at least £8.25 per hour.