Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is facing backlash from his political opponents after revealing that his family’s wholesale company does not currently pay all employees the real living wage.
During an interview on the BBC’s Sunday Show, Sarwar stated that his family’s firm, United Wholesale, would have to comply with Labour’s proposal for a “genuine living wage” if the party’s policies were implemented. He acknowledged that not all staff members at the company currently receive the real living wage, despite good trade union relations and negotiations with Usdaw.
The SNP wasted no time in accusing Sarwar of “hypocrisy”, while the Conservatives seized the opportunity to criticize him for being in a “humiliating position”. Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy described the situation as a “car-crash interview” for Sarwar, highlighting the discrepancy between his family business practices and his party’s policies.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn MP also weighed in, calling Sarwar a “sleekit salesman” and emphasizing the importance of voting SNP to protect workers’ rights.
This revelation has put Sarwar in a difficult position, with his opponents questioning his credibility and commitment to workers’ rights. The controversy surrounding his family business’s wage practices has raised concerns about the consistency of Labour’s policies and the leadership of Anas Sarwar.