Fair Work Ayrshire, a service operating across all three Ayrshire local authorities, is dedicated to assisting employers in implementing Fair Work policies and practices. This initiative is supported by the Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund, a project under the Ayrshire Growth Deal, which seeks to enhance local prosperity and establish a thriving Fair Work region. The programme focuses on empowering workers with a voice, ensuring payment of the Real Living Wage, offering flexible working conditions, and addressing inequalities such as the gender pay gap.
This approach aligns with the Community Wealth Building economic model, which prioritises retaining wealth locally through the efforts of local authorities and partners in boosting employment and utilising local resources. Daniel Jack, co-founder of Jack’s Alt Stays, themed cabins located in Millport on the island of Cumbrae, has publicly backed Fair Work during Challenge Poverty Week (October 5 to 11).
Jack, who established the business with his cousin Adam, stated: “From day one of Jack’s Alt-Stays, Fair Work for us has always been about more than pay - it’s about creating a warm, welcoming workplace where people feel valued, listened to and have opportunities to progress.” He added that as the business enters its first growth phase, they have continued to develop flexible working, regular feedback mechanisms, and up-skilling opportunities. The recent expansion from five to eight cabins has led to the creation of a new Team Leader role at their Millport site and an increase in year-round working hours for the existing Guest Experience team, all paid at the Real Living Wage.
The Real Living Wage, independently calculated by the Resolution Foundation, reflects the cost of living in the UK and is voluntarily paid by employers. Daniel and Adam are proud to be Real Living Wage employers. Daniel explained: “In the words of the Real Living Wage Foundation themselves, “a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay”. We believe that if somebody is contributing to the success of our business, they should be fairly rewarded for the work they do. We choose to pay our team more than the minimum we legally have to because we believe they deserve it.” He also noted its importance in attracting and retaining staff for a small, seasonal island tourism business where the team directly impacts the guest experience.
“"It is great to hear that a local, family-run company like this is enthusiastic about Fair Work and is implementing the practices in their day-to-day business to benefit staff."
Jack’s Alt Stays employs a team of nine staff in Millport. Daniel emphasised the importance of giving staff a voice, stating: “We maintain open, informal and regular communication between staff and management. We encourage regular two-way conversations and make it clear that ideas, suggestions and needs are always welcome to be raised, and will be actioned.” He further explained: “We aim to create a warm, welcoming team environment where our people feel comfortable speaking up and know their views will be taken seriously.”
The business's family-friendly practices assist staff with childcare, family commitments, second jobs, or social time. Staff can swap shifts, request annual or unpaid leave without restrictions, and the company actively promotes work-life flexibility. Support from the Fair Work Ayrshire team, based within North Ayrshire Council, has been instrumental. Daniel added: “In 2024, we worked with the Council’s Fair Work team to undergo a Fair Work Audit. This support enabled us to look closely at our employment practices, formalise and evidence many of the good things we were already doing day to day, and identify areas where we could do more.” As a result, positive changes were implemented, and a statement of their Fair Work commitment was added to the website. He concluded that ongoing reflection on the Real Living Wage, staff voice, flexible working, and development opportunities, with local support, makes Fair Work principles achievable for a growing small family island business.
