Care workers to get money off Christmas shopping and restaurants

Care workers will be given discounts at restaurants and money off their Christmas shopping this winter to help them during the country's cost-of-living crisis.

Yo! Sushi and Pizza Hut are just some of the restaurants across the UK giving discounts to care workers who register for a Blue Light Card.

A Blue Light Card gives those working in the social care sector, NHS, emergency services and armed forces with discounts online and in store from companies across the UK.

“Not all heroes wear capes’, stated Yo! Sushi which is giving a 20 per cent discount. ‘We want to show you some YO! love by giving you discount off food in our restaurants and click & collect.’

Making Christmas shopping 'less difficult' on Black Friday Blue Light Card Black Friday partners include Nike, Lenovo, Shark, boohoo, JD Sports and Virgin Experience Days and care workers can log into their Blue Light account on Friday 25 November to see all the discounts available.

Tom Dalby, chief executive of Blue Light Card, said: “The Blue Light community has once again worked so hard this year, tirelessly caring for those in need and protecting us all as we go about our everyday lives.

“We’re delighted to be able to say a big thank you by providing the millions of people working in the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces with these exclusive Black Friday deals.

“Many of the Blue Light community work long shifts throughout the festive season, which can make Christmas shopping difficult. So, we hope our Black Friday discounts offer a helping hand by giving you time to plan, and buy a few gifts early.”

How to get the discounts

To get discounts from participating restaurants, staff can get a code from the Blue Light Card website or app and enter the code when they pay their bill.

To be eligible for a Blue Light Card, staff must be a paid care worker employed with a company registered with either the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Northern Ireland’s Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), Scotland’s Care Inspectorate Scotland or Care Inspectorate Wales.

To register for a card, care workers should provide a form of ID, such as a payslip or ID card that shows their name, employer, job role and date (within the last three months).

Halfords, Apple, Starbucks, Domino’s, The Body Shop, Odeon, EE and New Look are just some of the companies supporting Blue Light card holders.

Tom Dalby added: “I’d encourage anyone eligible that’s not yet a member to apply for a card early to ensure they don’t miss out on these fantastic discounts.”