In a care sector first, Care UK is offering free access to Blue Light Card membership for colleagues as part of a new partnership.
This unprecedented benefit, which supports all permanent colleagues across Care UK’s 155+ homes and support centre functions, is predicted to save almost 13,000 people hundreds – if not thousands – of pounds each year.
Blue Light Card is the UK’s only discount service for emergency services, NHS, social care workers and armed forces. With over 3.5 million members across the country, Blue Light Card is partnered with over 13,000 retailers both national and local, providing savings, discounts and benefits that often aren’t available to the general public. In 2023, Blue Light Card saved its members over £330 million in total.
Care UK colleagues already have access to an internal Perks rewards system, which offers reductions and cashback across hundreds of retailers. As well as introducing new deals and suppliers, the Blue Light Card can be used in addition to some of the existing deals on Perks, meaning colleagues can save even more than they originally intended.
Colleagues value benefits, which is why Care UK continues to deliver them in innovative ways. Earlier this year, the provider hosted its first Colleague Appreciation Week, which saw homes take time out of their day to award colleagues, host parties and even take part in a wheelbarrow race. It’s paid off, with 4pp more colleagues than last year agreeing in Care UK’s internal survey that they ‘value the benefits available’.
Of the partnership, Ianina Lucca, Chief Product Officer of Blue Light Card said: “All of us at Blue Light Card deeply appreciate the dedicated service of those working in the care sector across the UK, acknowledging the sacrifices they make to care for our loved ones when they need it the most. The commitment and hard work demonstrated by these individuals contributes immeasurably to the health and quality of life for the most vulnerable people in our communities. Blue Light Card is our way of saying thank you to those who keep us all healthy, safe and supported.”
Sharon Quinn, Head of Reward at Care UK, said: “I am very proud that Care UK is the first care provider to partner with Blue Light Card to offer free membership to our colleagues.
“Colleagues across the UK work in all sorts of roles to support residents and ensure they are living fulfilling lives. It’s important that we show our appreciation for their hard work in as many ways as possible – whether that’s with our Colleague Appreciation Week, through development and progression opportunities, or making sure they have free access to discounts through the Blue Light Card.”
The benefit was rolled out to Care UK colleagues in July this year, and Blue Light Card has already reported that Care UK sign ups to the scheme have doubled from colleagues who were using the Blue Light Card prior to the partnership.
As part of the launch, Hannah McIntosh, Reward Manager at Care UK was joined by Ianina Lucca, Chief Product Officer, and Mohamed Ouf, Director of Growth, from Blue Light Card to introduce the new benefit to colleagues at St Vincent’s House care home in Hammersmith, London.
Colleagues at the home spent time sharing their previous success stories with Blue Light Card, learning about the deals on offer or signing up for the very first time.
Angela Boateng, a care assistant, described the Blue Light Card as “very helpful” and said it was a “game changer” when combined with other Perks received by Care UK colleagues.
Deputy manager, Victor Oliver, added: “The benefits provided by the Blue Light Card have significantly enhanced my shopping experience…I can enjoy quality products at a reduced cost. I sincerely appreciate Care UK facilitating this opportunity for colleagues.”
Some colleagues were learning about – and signing up to – the Blue Light Card for the first time on the day. This included carers Ronie Antonio and Mikias Zerihun.
Ronie said: “This will be a big help, especially as I have a family. I’m looking forward to using my Blue Light Card and receiving discounts.”
Mikias agreed: “Blue Light Card sounds like an excellent resource – I’m looking forward to using it and making my everyday purchases more and more affordable.”
The efforts of Care UK – and their dedicated HR team – to support colleagues has been recognised with a number of prestigious accolades so far this year. They took home the Best Place to Work award at the UK Employee Experience Awards this May, and the Recruitment and Retention Award at the Stars of Social Care Awards the following month. For their dedication to their apprenticeship programmes and work experience offerings, they were awarded Employer Encounter of the Year by the Greater Essex Careers Hub. They await the awards ceremony for the In-House Recruitment Awards, where they have been shortlisted for three categories including Best Company to Work For and Best Candidate Experience.
If you think a career in care could be for you, please visit: https://www.careuk.com/careers
For more information about the benefits Care UK can offer colleagues, you can read more on our website: https://www.careuk.com/careers/why-join-us/rewards-and-benefits
