Colleague cost of living payment

What are the payments for?

At Hafod, we are passionate about supporting the well-being of our customers and colleagues, by continually looking at ways to offer help where we can. 

We are aware that people are still struggling with the rising cost of essentials, such as food and fuel. For many, this time of year brings additional pressures as they try to balance household bills and the cost of festive celebrations.   

These payments are a way of showing each of our colleagues that we value them and what they do every day by listening and responding to their needs. 
 

When will I receive the payment?

You will receive two payments of £100; one will be made in December 2023 and the second in January 2024.
 

Will the £200 be less deduction? I.e. Tax and Ni

Hafod will be paying the tax and NI for colleagues, and you will therefore receive the total amount. 
 

How will I receive the money?

The payments will be made directly to your bank account, using the details stored in your My Hafod account. The payment will be made separate to your usual pay. 
 

I receive Universal Credit or other benefits; will they be affected?

Payroll must transmit pay information to HMRC every period to advise them of the total amount paid to colleagues. Therefore, we can’t guarantee that this won’t be picked up as part of the Universal Credit calculation. Though, the overall effect of receiving the payment will still be greater than any reduction in Universal Credit.
 

I’ve noticed on my payslip that £100 has been deducted. Why?

You will see on your payslip there is a cost-of-living payment and also a deduction of £100. Your net pay (take home pay) is not impacted by this, but we have to declare the payment on your payslip for HMRC purposes. You will also see the deductions for tax and NI have Hafod have made.   

Example:

Who is eligible for the payment? 

If you are employed by Hafod on the 1st of the month you will receive the payment for that month. E.g. If you are employed with Hafod on the 1st of December but leave on the 20th of December, you will receive a £100 payment for December but not in January. 

For colleagues on zero-hour contracts, you will need to be employed with Hafod on the 1st of the month and have been paid for hours worked in the preceding month. E.g. if you are employed by Hafod on the 1st of December and got paid for hours during November you will receive December's £100 payment.  

Colleagues who are on maternity leave or sick leave are eligible for the payments.
 

Where can I find up to date information about the cost-of-living?

We have created a hub of cost-of-living information and resources for colleagues and customers, should anyone need advice or guidance. Visit hafod.org.uk/costofliving
 

I do not want to receive my payments and would prefer to give them to charity. 

Hafod’s chosen charity is the Trussell Trust and if you would like to donate your payments to them you can do so by selecting donate through this link. You can of course donate your payments to a charity of your choice. 
 

When will the payments be made? 

The payments will be made as follows:

What is the carbon impact of sending colleagues Christmas cards?

This is likely to be the last year colleagues receive a physical card as we progress our digital transformation programme which will give all colleagues a Hafod email address in 2024.    

Both the card and letter have been produced on FSC-certified paper which is fully recyclable, so be sure to pop them out for your recycling collection when you’re finished with them.   
 

What other benefits are available to me?

Colleagues have access to a wide range of benefits all year round such as shopping discounts with a Blue Light Card and health and well-being support via Medicash. For more information, visit hafod.org.uk/medicash