Support #GiftCard500 To Better Reward Staff

*This is a guest post about #GiftCard500

During the lockdown, we have all been finding new ways to save money. While this is great for our own bank accounts, lockdown saving has put a strain on so many sectors. And thousands of jobs that rely on the day-to-day trade of a normally functioning economy. The retail sector is one of them.

When I did some further research about this, there are a few initiatives that could be a great way for everyone to help the high street – and there are benefits to you too! Gift cards have been a great tool for people to use in the past few months, both in their digital and physical form. During the lockdown, gift cards such as free school meals were introduced to help struggling families, were gifted to key workers for all of their hard work, and were used as a lifeline for the struggling retail, leisure, and entertainment sectors.

#GiftCard500 campaign

A new campaign that I have heard about is called #GiftCard500, which is being run by the Gift Card & Voucher Association (GCVA). Currently, in the UK, businesses can thank staff for their hard work with a gift card (or other non-cash equivalent rewards) that has a maximum tax-free limit of £50. If any amount over this is given, there is an associated tax cost for employees.

This extra cost is the reason for the #GiftCard500 campaign, which is all about lobbying the government to raise the tax-free amount from £50 to £500. This in turn means the staff that have worked tirelessly throughout this year can be properly rewarded for their hard work.

How you can support the campaign

Not only this, but this change will provide some much-needed support to the high street as those that have received gift cards can spend them and, in doing so, increase the footfall at these struggling stores. I think it’s such a good idea to reward staff and help the high street at the same time! You can sign the petition here to show your support – https://www.change.org/p/uk-government-government-to-raise-tax-free-gifting-limit-to-500-reward-staff-and-boost-uk-high-street.

What’s more, is that during the UK lockdown gift cards were also the go-to solution for so many people. Digital gift card sales rose by almost 50% during the lockdown as more and more people wanted gifting solutions that minimised contact, could be sent instantly, and then enjoyed at a later date.

The ease and convenience of gift card spending have been obvious to so many through distanced birthdays and being unable to see loved ones. Now, the same benefits gift cards offer can be used by businesses to reward their staff, and raising the tax-free limit could make this benefit even better!

So, what’s not to love? Signing the petition could make it easier for your boss to give you a reward this Christmas and with the flexibility to spend some cards at multiple stores, both in shops and online, gift cards are becoming a great tool to support the high street this winter. If you want the chance to win a gift card, you can take part in the GiftBetter competitions that the Gift Card and Voucher Association run on their social media accounts too!