The story of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a familiar one to many, in which the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge embarks on a journey of self-reflection with the help of a trio of ghosts and finally comes to learn the value of kindness and generosity.

If this tale were set in contemporary times, it is likely that Mr Scrooge would have been visited by his local Living Wage champions instead, resulting in Bob Cratchit receiving an immediate pay uplift to the Real Living Wage.

On Wednesday 8th November, members of the Dundee Living Wage Action Group did meet Mr Scrooge and Bob Cratchit, in the form of the cast of the Rep’s revival of its critically acclaimed production of A Christmas Carol. In 2021, Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre became one of the latest employers in Dundee to pay the real Living Wage. This saw members of their team receive a wage increase to the current rate of £10.90 per hour with an increase to the newly announced £12 rate to follow in the coming months.

Andrew Panton, Artistic Director for Dundee Rep Theatre said, “In 2021, just ahead of the premiere of the first production of A Christmas Carol, we were delighted to join over 130 other employers in Dundee who are treating their teams fairly and with dignity.

“One of the key themes of A Christmas Carol is the importance of a wage that allows everyone to enjoy a good quality of life. This is just as prevalent today, particularly with the cost-of-living crisis, and we are proud to be a part of the Living Wage initiative.”

Speaking on behalf of the Dundee Living Wage Action Group, convener of Dundee City Council's Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Steven Rome said: "It was lovely to meet the cast and crew of 'A Christmas Carol' and I wish them well for the upcoming run of the show.

"It was great to be with representatives of the Dundee Living Wage Action Group and hear about the impact being a Living Wage accredited employer such as Dundee Rep can have on employees, their employers and the city.

"I would encourage any other business in the city thinking about becoming a Living Wage accredited employer to get in touch with Living Wage Scotland, they are always happy to help.”