Financial resilience boost given to 38,000 Greene King staff

UK pub retailer and brewer Greene King has given its 38,000 team members real-time access to earned pay in its latest move to enhance employee benefits.

The Wagestream app launched earlier this week, giving staff access to a percentage of their earned wages any day of the month to help them meet unexpected expenses.

Employees will also be able to track their pay and take advantage of Safestream — Wagestream’s micro-savings tool that collects regular, small sums straight from pay packets and on a monthly basis.

A range of financial education tools will also be provided in conjunction with The Money Advice Service, including webinars that teach staff how to look after their money.

Greene King has over 2,700 pubs, restaurants and hotels across the nation 52% Greene King’s workforce (52%) downloading the app in the first week.

Andrew Bush, chief people officer, at Greene King, said: “We care about our team members and know some of them will have encountered real financial difficulties due to consequences of the pandemic.

“While we were able to provide a Support Fund during lockdown, we know that looking ahead, Wagestream will help to alleviate some of this financial stress by helping those affected meet unexpected expenses.”

Peter Briffett, CEO and Co-Founder of Wagestream, commented: “The pandemic has caused a lot of worry for employees and this has been felt particularly badly in the hospitality sector.

“Greene King has picked the perfect moment to launch what we know is one of the most important workplace revolutions in pay of recent years.”

Donna Dunbar, Greene King team member at Ma Cameron’s pub in Aberdeen, said: “I found the Wagestream app really good because it gives you an actual breakdown of each day you have worked, how many hours and how much pay.

“It’s very easy to navigate around and has great hints and tips to keep you on track with your wages. It’s a great app.”