NHS employees can access discounts or freebies for everything from meals out to clothing, gym memberships and even their car’s MOT.
There are hundreds of offers up for grabs and together they could save NHS employees thousands of pounds a year.
NHS employees can access thousands of pounds worth of savings and discoutns[/caption]
Many companies have permanent discounts available for those working in the NHS, while others offer temporary promotions throughout the year.
One of the easiest ways to find discounts is through the Blue Light Card, which gives NHS staff access to deals from more than 15,000 businesses.
These deals change regularly, so it’s always worth checking in to see what’s on offer before you head out shopping.
We’ve rounded up some of the best deals available in October…
Restaurants
NHS employees can get discounted meals at a huge number of high street restaurants.
Top deals include 25% off at Pizza Hut, Beefeater or Bella Italia with a Blue Light Card.
At Bella Italia, the discount an be applied to bills for tables of up to six people, so you could make a big saving.
At Nando’s, NHS employees can get 20% off their bill, up to £20, with a valid NHS email address.
Pizza Express also offers a 20% discount to Blue Light Card holders from Sunday to Thursday, and until October 10, NHS workers can enjoy two classic pizzas for £15 before 3pm.
The majority of McDonald’s restaurants also offer NHS employees a 20% discount on main menu items ordered through its app.
Other restaurants offering discounts include Bill’s (20% off with the Blue Light Card), Yo! Sushi (20% off and free gyoza with the Blue Light Card), Leon (15% off with an NHS ID) and Krispy Kreme (10% off with Blue Light Card).
If your favourite isn’t listed, it’s still worth checking if they offer an NHS discount as promotions can change regularly.
NHS employees can also get a free one-year Tastecard app membership, which gives discounts on a range of chain restaurants.
A year’s membership to the discount scheme would usually set you back £79.99, but the offers available give an average saving of £23 per meal out.
Supermarkets
A number of supermarkets offer discounts to NHS employees, allowing you to save while stocking up on groceries.
Iceland offers Blue Light Card holders £6 off their first order when they spend £45 or more online, and £2 off when they spend £60 or more on future shops.
NHS employees can also wave goodbye to delivery costs at Morrisons.
To take advantage of the discount sign up for a Morrisons More card and join the supermarket’s NHS Club.
Asda offers Blue Light Card holders the chance to earn 5% back on selected purchases in its stores.
If NHS employees link their Blue Light Card to the Asda Rewards App the supermarket will make deposits into their Asda Rewards Cashpot every time they shop (up to a maximum of £100 a day).
Clothing and shoes
A number of clothing and shoe retailers offer NHS discounts if you’re looking to improve your winter wardrobe this October.
New Look offers 15% off online and in store with a Blue Light Card.
Crew clothing offers 20% off with a Blue Light Card, while White Stuff gives NHS workers a 15% discount.
JD Sport offers 10% off as does clothing brand Hush.
If you’re looking for shoes Clarks offers 15% off online purchases, while Schuh offers a 10% discount on purchases online and in store with a Blue Light Card.
A number of other shops will also offer discounts so it’s always worth checking at the checkout.
Travel
If the autumnal weather has got you craving some sun, you could find a deal on your next holiday if you’re an NHS staffer.
TUI offers NHS employees exclusive discounts through its Holidays for Heroes promotions.
Right now, the tour operator is offering a £100 discount on a seven-day break to Cape Verde for two adults and £30 off seven days in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
Jet2Holidays is offering NHS employees £25 off any booking made with a £60 deposit.
If you’re looking to stay closer to home, NHS employees can get 20% off advance tickets on the TransPennine Express as well as 10% off Stagecoach bus tickets in Scotland.
Gym memberships
NHS workers can get discounted memberships at many gyms and fitness centres.
Nuffield Health, a gym chain, offers employees a 30% discount on membership.
To sign up, you will need to bring a valid work ID or Blue Light Card.
Blue Light Card holders can also join PureGym with no joining fee and 10% off selected memberships.
David Lloyd Group also offers discounts on selected memberships, and advises those looking to enrol to contact their local club’s membership team.
Days out
If you’re planning a day out with friends or family, many attractions offer cut price tickets for NHS employees.
Go Ape offers NHS employees a 10% discount at all 16 of its treetop adventure sites in the UK.
English Heritage is also offering NHS employees a 12-month membership package, for the price of nine. This gives you access to historic properties around the UK.
Make sure you check the Blue Light Card website before heading out as more deals are frequently added.
Entertainment
If you fancy taking in a show, many productions also offer cut price tickets to those working in the NHS.
These change regularly and are often made available at short notice.
To find the latest deals, keep an eye on the Blue Light Card website, as well as www.ticketsforgood.org and www.vouchercodes.co.uk.
Health
NHS employees can access free subscriptions to a number of mental health-boosting apps.
Both Headspace and Unmind offer those working in the health service a free membership – go on the app to sign up.
Mobile phone deals
Several mobile providers offer special deals for NHS employees, but these can change regularly.
Right now O2 is offering NHS employees buying a new phone or tablet 25% off an Airtime Plan.
Vodafone offers NHS employees savings of 25% on selected pay monthly airtime plans, and 15% off tablets and SIM only plans.
Meanwhile, EE offers 20% off a selected monthly airtime plans.
Whoever your provider is, it’s worth checking to see if they offer any NHS discounts.
Car maintenance
Mr Clutch is offering exclusive NHS discounts across all 41 of its UK branches.
Employees will receive a 5% discount on service and MOT bookings.
The discount can be redeemed in branch at any Mr Clutch garage, by presenting a valid NHS ID.
Blue Light Card
NHS staff get discounts all year round through the Blue Light Card membership scheme.
Blue Light Cards cover NHS staff, emergency service workers and members of the Armed Forces.
There’s two different cards you can get, one for online and a physical card to shop in stores.
The digital card is free but the physical card costs £4.99 and lasts two years at a time.
You can register online here but you’ll need to prove your profession to qualify for the card.
Here’s who qualifies for Blue Light Club:
- 4×4 response, Ambulance Service, Blood Bikes, Border Force, British Army, Cave Rescue, Community First Responders, Fire Service, Highways Agency, HM Armed Forces Veterans, HM Coastguard, HM Prison Service, Immigration Enforcement, Lowland Search and Rescue, MoD Civil Servant, MoD Fire Service, MoD Police, Mountain Rescue, NHS, Police, Red Cross, Reserved Armed Forces, RNLI, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, Royal Navy, Search and Rescue, Second Line Responders, St Andrews Ambulance, St John Ambulance, UK Visa and Immigration
Unfortunately you can’t see which offers are available until you’ve signed up but retailers who have taken part in the past include Starbucks, Apple, New Look and Cineworld.
The discounts are constantly changing so it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what money you’ll be saving.
If you’ve already got a Blue Light Card, remember to always compare prices to make sure what you’re buying isn’t cheaper elsewhere.
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