Money@Work: Supporting financial wellbeing in Bristol’s workplaces and communities

Bristol is a city built on community, from independent businesses to local initiatives that put people first. At Great Western Credit Union (GWCU), we share those values and believe co-operation and financial resilience strengthens communities.

Supporting people to access fair finance is key to their financial wellbeing and borrowing and saving through salary is where Money@Work delivers great outcomes.

Paying via salary works — and the results are clear

Recent research from Fair4All Finance highlights the impact workplace-based financial support can have. Salary deduction lending and savings make a real difference for both employees and employers.

Employees report positive outcomes: 70% feel more confident managing money, and 72% say payroll-based borrowing helped them start saving regularly, building healthier financial habits and boosting wellbeing, giving them financial freedom.

For employers the benefits go beyond financial support. Employees borrowing and paying back through salary deduction report improved wellbeing and increased engagement at work, with 60% feeling less stressed, anxious or depressed. Tangible outcomes that strengthen workplace culture and employee productivity.

Image: GWCU

Where Money@Work can support

GWCU is the South West’s largest credit union, supporting local people for over 25 years with fair, affordable, safe finance. As a member-owned organisation, everything we do serves our community to help people manage their money.

Money@Work brings our ethical purpose into the workplace. It’s free for employers to implement and provides an easy way to borrow and save paying directly through salary.

More than 40 employers across the region have joined Money@Work, including local authorities, manufacturers, care providers, and housing associations. Together, we’ve lent over £4 million to employees in need. Last year £1.6 million went to people earning under £25,000, providing vital accessible finance for lower-income households, who even when working, have an increased vulnerability. Our latest social impact report shows in detail how we’ve supported our wider community.

Why this matters even more today

Even as the cost of living stabilises, many households remain under pressure. Nearly a third of employees couldn’t afford a £300 emergency bill, and most have less than £1,000 in savings. Unexpected costs push employees toward high-cost credit, creating cycles of debt that are difficult to break.

Financial stress doesn’t stay at home, it affects concentration, work performance and mental health. Money@Work helps employers offer meaningful support, making a real difference, fostering happier, more focused people and demonstrating a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing.

Imagee: GWCU

Celebrating Bristol’s vibrant community

Community finance is rooted in improving our local economy. We are proud to sponsor the Community category at this year’s Bristol 24/7 Legends Awards, celebrating people and organisations making Bristol a better place. Money@Work is one-way employers can demonstrate their social responsibility with employees being supported, valued, and more financially secure.

Join us in building a fairer future for all

If you’re a Bristol employer who wants to make financial wellbeing part of everyday life for your employees, we’d love to talk. Together, we can help your people feel more confident, secure, and connected to community finance through GWCU membership.