BRIGHTON Housing Trust is launching a new Workplace Savings Scheme in partnership with East Sussex Credit Union as part of its focus on the wellbeing of staff and volunteers.

Andy Winter, chief executive of BHT, was the first to join the credit union as part of the scheme and has become member 10,000 of the East Sussex Credit Union.

He has committed to saving into his account every month and hopes many of the BHT staff and volunteers will do the same.

He said: “I am really pleased that the Credit Union will be working with BHT’s staff and volunteers.

“They offer a convenient way of saving with payments coming out of their salaries at source.

“I have been a long term admirer of the ESCU and intended to join several years ago, but inertia won the day.

“I am sure that there will be others just like me.

“This partnership will make it simple and easy for them to save and to up all the other advantages that come with being a member of the credit union.

“Offering a Workplace Savings Scheme is a great staff perk and it gives employers the opportunity to help their staff and volunteers plan and improve their financial wellbeing as they can build up savings or repay loans with the credit union through their work’s payroll.”

Ann Hickey, CEO of East Sussex Credit Union, said: “The Workplace Savings Scheme is an opportunity for staff to save directly from their salary each month into their credit union account.

“Many members say that they don’t even notice the savings going out. The scheme makes saving and repaying loans with us effortless for the member.”