Edgar Stewart has become the first Edinburgh recruitment agency to sign up to the Scottish Business Pledge.
The recruitment firm, which specialises in the technology, food & drink and life sciences sectors, is the latest Scottish company to be accredited for demonstrating its commitment to building stronger businesses and a fairer Scotland.
It has agreed to honour nine separate commitments, which include paying the Living Wage and settling invoices promptly within 30 days.
The professional services specialist has also promised to avoid using exploitative zero hours contracts; support progressive workforce engagement; invest in youth; make progress on diversity and gender balance; commit to an innovation programme; pursue international business opportunities, and play an active role in the community.
To retain its Scottish Business Pledge status, Edgar Stewart must deliver on all nine components and will be surveyed every two years to ensure its compliance.
According to director Bruce Hydes, who says fulfilling many of the criteria is already second nature, signing up to the Pledge is a no-brainer.
Bruce, who is one of three directors at Edgar Stewart, said: “As a recruitment and ‘people first’ business, it’s imperative we are seen to be supporting any pledge that improves the working lives of Scots.
“And it wasn’t difficult to meet the Scottish Business Pledge criteria since we are already fulfilling many of its components.
“We know, first-hand, how difficult it is to manage business cashflow so we’ve always made a point of paying promptly and, when the time is right to grow the team, we are committed to paying the Living Wage.
“We also recently took on a marketing intern from Edinburgh University with the intention of taking on more in the future which demonstrates our commitment to investing in youth. We currently do business in Switzerland, which ticks the international business box too.”
Edgar Stewart has also been involved in community events for a number of years having sponsored various charity events and its directors sit on the Scottish Life Science Association HR Group Advisory Board.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “As a leading recruitment company, I am happy to welcome Edgar Stewart Selection into the growing network of businesses that are pursuing inclusive growth and a fair-minded, progressive approach to business.”
Bruce added: “It’s common sense, really, and we look forward to building on our Pledge to help make Scotland a fairer place to do business.”