Companies bidding for council, health board and other public contracts will be expected to pay the voluntary living wage under rules introduced today.
New Scottish Government statutory guidance also seeks to avoid the exploitative use of zero hours contracts.
Tendering firms should also have fair work practices and allow their staff trade union representation or effective voice in the workplace.
Agency or sub-
The living wage, currently £7.85 per hour, is considered to be the minimum a person needs to live decently and to provide adequately for their family.
Public bodies must have regard to the new statutory guidance for goods and services tenders worth over £50,000 and £2,000,000 for works contracts.
They are "encouraged" to apply the guidance for lower value contracts.
Public works bidders expected to pay living wage
1 November 2015
Infrastructure secretary Keith Brown said: “The commitment to making Scotland a fairer place to work is a key tenet of this government, and our new statutory guidance for public sector procurement sees us nail our colours to the mast.
“Our model of procurement, putting the social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainability at the heart of all we do, remains the foundation of our approach.
“Employers must now recognise – as many already do – that if you want to do business with the public sector in Scotland, you have to be a responsible employer and value your workers. You have to do your bit to make Scotland a fairer and more equal society.
The move has been welcomed by trade unions.
Grahame Smith, general secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) said: “The Scottish Government has taken the lead in driving forward the real living wage as have local authorities.
"We believe it is right that companies wishing to receive public contracts should demonstrate that they treat staff fairly by paying a living wage, recognise the benefits of trade unions and collective bargaining and treat their workers with the dignity and respect they deserve.