Cost of living crisis: Leading Hull company provides support package for staff

THE CEO of The 55 Group, a leading group of businesses headquartered from central Hull has implemented a payment scheme for staff to help alleviate pressures from the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Putting focus on the need for businesses to act before spiralling costs go up even further for consumers, Gerard Toplass has introduced the new programme to support staff with energy, food and transport costs. The scheme sees every member of staff with a standard salary under £50,000 per year receive £60 per month for the next year.

To support staff with rising costs across the board, the group has also introduced subsidised breakfast and lunches. Staff are able to have full hot meals, yoghurts, muesli and refreshments including juices and hot drinks for the low cost of £1.50 per day, helping staff save more than 500 per cent on food costs while at the office.

Gerard Toplass, group CEO for The 55 Group, said, “making sure we support our staff will always be central to our success, which is why all businesses need to consider how they can respond to the collective challenges we are all facing.

“Given that we already know we are facing further energy cost hikes later this year, it’s crucial that any support is considered and implemented as soon as possible before things worsen, making sure that our staff will be able to weather that storm.

“Every single member of staff eligible for this package has taken it on illustrating the value to all staff the help will give. The cost-of-living crisis we are facing as a nation doesn’t look set to have an end date, so we intend to continue and adjust this support as we move forward – and our food subsidy offer will be permanent.”

In addition to the cost-of-living payments and food subsidy, the business offers private medical and life insurance, a share incentive scheme, and a standard Christmas break shutdown on top of its generous 26 days’ holiday allowance.

The 55 Group is the parent organisation for a group of cross-industry businesses headquartered out of central Hull. This includes national framework provider Pagabo, leading risk, management and compliance software company Sypro, social value specialist Loop, and digital-first training platform Tequ.

Across its cross-industry brands, the group champions the use of technology and innovative thinking to create a better, brighter, and greener approach within its core markets including the built environment and construction sectors – and beyond.

Simone Smallwood, head of customer services support for the 55 Group, said: “Everyone is aware of the challenges from rising costs at the moment, so I’m really pleased to work for an employer that not only acknowledges these challenges but has put in place support that really tackles the key pinch points.”

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