Colleague Benefits Update

As we continue to build OurCoop, we are bringing colleague discount arrangements together, so colleagues across all our businesses can access the same food discount wherever they work in the Society. This will replace the different schemes in place before OurCoop was formed in January.

The new arrangements will offer all colleagues:

• 20% off Co-op branded products at all times.
• 15% off other brands at all times, increasing to 20% during payday weekends.

Colleague discounts will be subject to products not being sold at a loss. This means the full discount may not apply to every product.

We understand that you may have some questions about these changes and why they are happening. We are focused on aligning our overall reward offering for all colleagues:

• Lichfield, Chelmsford and Warwick all previously had different discount terms and so this change aligns discount in our food stores to ensure everyone has access the same benefit.
• We made a significant investment of £8m in pay earlier this year. This means that some colleagues received a larger increase to aligned pay. As we consider our total reward package, this means we do have to align other benefits like discount to ensure all colleagues have access to the same benefit.

If you currently use the Lichfield discount scheme

You'll still get 20% on Co-op own brand, and on other brands, it will increase from 10% to 15%, with 20% during payday weekends. You'll now receive your discount at the till as money off, rather than Reward ££s into your Member pot. You'll still be able to earn Reward ££s on applicable Member Deals.

If you currently use the Warwick discount scheme

Your 20% discount on Co-op branded products will stay the same. On other brands, it will change from 20% to 15% outside payday weekends. During payday weekends, it will be 20%.

If you currently use the Chelmsford discount scheme

You will receive 20% off Co-op branded products throughout the week. On other brands, your weekday discount will increase from 10% to 15%. The 20% discount on other brands will apply during payday weekends rather than every weekend.

When the changes will happen

The changes will be introduced in phases, with the timing determined by the IT updates needed to apply the new discounts across the different systems used within OurCoop. The dates for these changes are:

• Lichfield & Chelmsford – Monday 2 November

• Warwick – Monday 16 November

Information about payday offers and how to use the new discount will be available on Thursday 15 October.

We are also updating colleague funeral discounts. The rates are set out in the accompanying information.

If you have questions about what the changes mean for you, please speak to your manager.

Our colleague discount policy will be available when the changes are made and will be available on colleagues connect and the colleague hub.

We are updating colleague discounts on funeral services, funeral plans and related products. The new discounts will be:

Service or product	Discount
Unattended Funeral	£150
Simple Funeral	£300
Tailormade Funeral	£450
Floral	15%
Terry Smiths ashes casket	15%
Masonry - new stones	10%
Masonry - renovation	5%
Funeral plan - Unattended	£150
Funeral plan - Essential	£300
Funeral plan - Flexible and Natural	£500

 

These arrangements will take effect from 2 November 2026. For details of eligibility, how to use the discount and any questions about an existing booking or plan, visit colleague connect or the colleague hub to view the policy. Alternatively, you can contact funeraltrading@centralcoop.co.uk.

Helping you stay well this winter

Colleagues across OurCoop who are not eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination can request a free flu vaccination voucher.

You can request a voucher by completing Flu vaccination request form 2026 – Fill in form. We will email your voucher with details of how to arrange an appointment at a participating pharmacy.

• There is no cost to you and you can request one voucher.
• It can take up to five working days for your voucher to be issued.
• Please contact your preferred Boot pharmacy in advance to check availability and appointment arrangements.
• Your voucher must be used before its expiry date.

If you qualify for a free NHS vaccination, please use that service. You can check NHS eligibility at  Flu vaccine - NHS. For questions about flu vouchers, contact reward@centralcoop.co.uk