Investing in employee well-being and flexibility

  • Central Co-op raises minimum pay to £12 an hour
  • Pay increase effective from 1 April
  • Additional benefits include paid breaks, annual health checks, virtual GP, free counselling sessions, access to a nutritionist
  • Flexible working trial called Workflex
  • Policies on pregnancy loss, fertility treatment, menopause, and trans awareness
  • Looking into the introduction of a Wagestream trial
  • Investing in employees’ overall package
  • Base pay increased by over 24% in the last 2 years
  • Usdaw supports Central Co-op’s commitment to fair compensation and colleague well-being

Central Co-op has announced significant investments in its employees by raising minimum pay to £12 an hour, alongside paid breaks and a suite of additional benefits aimed at enhancing workers well-being and flexibility. The pay increase, effective from 1 April, equates to an additional £2,535 per annum for a full-time customer service assistant and is also in addition to paid breaks. As well as the pay increase, Central Co-op provides a range of added benefits for its workers, including annual health checks and virtual GP, free counselling sessions and access to a nutritionist. Last year Central Co-op also launched a flexible working trial called Workflex – an initiative that allows workers to choose between a four-day week, a nine-day fortnight, or a combination of both, promoting a better work-life balance and prioritising employee well-being. In 2023 Central Co-op also launched policies on pregnancy loss, fertility treatment, menopause and trans awareness to ensure all employees feel included and supported when they need it most. Furthermore, Central Co-op is also looking into the introduction of a Wagestream trial for workers later this year, offering the flexibility to choose how and when they get paid and demonstrating Central Co-op’s ongoing commitment to innovation and financial well-being. Sarah Dickins, chief member, customer and people officer at Central Co-op, said: “Our purpose is to create a sustainable Society for all. At Central Co-op, we believe that our colleagues are our greatest asset, and we are thrilled to be investing into their overall package again this year, increasing base pay by over 24% over the last 2 years. “Our colleagues are our difference makers and we’re continuously listening to them to help us invest in the areas that matter. We’re always looking to enhance our colleague experience across career development, benefits, wellbeing and flexibility too. A huge thank you to all 7,500 of our colleagues for everything they do.” Jayne Allport, national officer at Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers), said: “At Usdaw, we are thrilled that we were able to work with Central Co-op on its commitment to fair compensation and colleague well-being through a pay increase to £12 per hour, and strongly support the many other additional benefits Central Co-op provides. These initiatives exemplify the co-operative spirit and dedication to supporting its workforce.”

Factuality Level: 9
Factuality Justification: The article provides specific details about Central Co-op’s investments in its employees, including raising the minimum pay to £12 an hour, additional benefits, and initiatives aimed at enhancing worker well-being and flexibility. The information is clear, relevant, and supported by quotes from company officials and a union representative, indicating a high level of factuality.
Noise Level: 2
Noise Justification: The article provides clear and relevant information about Central Co-op’s significant investments in its employees, including raising the minimum pay to £12 an hour, additional benefits, and initiatives promoting employee well-being and flexibility. It includes quotes from company officials and a union representative, supporting the credibility of the information presented. The article stays on topic and does not contain irrelevant or misleading information. Overall, it offers valuable insights into Central Co-op’s efforts to enhance its employees’ overall package and well-being.
Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Rating Justification: The article does not pertain to financial topics and does not describe any extreme events. It focuses on Central Co-op’s investments in its employees, including raising the minimum pay, providing additional benefits, and promoting employee well-being and flexibility.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk