The minister for civil society has voiced support for a new campaign to encourage 1,000 more businesses in the UK to introduce payroll giving schemes for their employees.
To mark Payroll Giving Month, the charity-led campaign aims to increase the number of British companies offering such a scheme from the more than 4,000 that currently do so.
As part of the sign-up drive this month, campaign organisers have produced a how-to guide for businesses interested in setting up a scheme.
Civil society minister Stephanie Peacock said: “Payroll giving is a brilliant example of how businesses, employees and charities can work together to make a real difference.
“It’s simple to set up, offers immediate tax benefits for employees, and provides charities with the regular, reliable income they need to plan ahead and deliver vital services.
“I’m delighted to support Payroll Giving Month and the ambition to bring 1,000 more businesses on board.
“I’d encourage any employer who hasn’t yet considered a scheme to take a look at how easy it can be to offer their staff this meaningful way to give back.”
Animal charity leads campaign
According to the latest government figures, £125m was donated to charities through payroll giving in the year to April 2024, with 504,000 employees donating directly to UK charities from their gross salary.
The Charities Aid Foundation, which runs the Give As You Earn scheme, has esimated that a potential 30 million workers and 45,000 businesses could be eligible for payroll giving.
Together for Animals is leading this year’s campaign, which is delivered every February by a coalition of charities, payroll giving professionals and partners.
“Payroll giving is one of the most effective yet underused ways for employees to support charity,” said Caroline Gaskin, charity manager at Together for Animals.
“Payroll Giving Month is about raising awareness and removing barriers, and now we are encouraging businesses to take a simple step that can have a lasting impact for charities, just like ours, and for the sector as a whole.”
Kieran Harding, acting chief executive of Business in the Community, said: “Real change happens when businesses support and collaborate with their local communities.
“Our continued support of the scheme reflects our belief that collaboration between businesses and communities is vital in creating lasting social impact and strengthening the connection between businesses and the communities in which they operate.”
