Even though payroll giving schemes have risen in popularity tremendously over the last few years, there could still be many more people signing up to it. Lucie Benson examines what HR can do to encourage uptake - and benefit the business, your employees and charities in the process.
The basic premise for payroll giving is relatively simple. It is a tax-efficient way for employees to donate to a charity of their choice, through a direct deduction from their wage. For employers, the benefits are clear - it is a way for you to show that you are committed to working with the community and the causes important to your staff, as well as demonstrating to employees that you care, hence improving the company image and enhancing your CSR policy. It can also help build good employee relations and attract the right kind of people to come and work for you. Plus, it is pretty easy and cheap to run.
The facts and figures are also proof of its worth - when payroll giving was first introduced in 1987, £1m was raised for UK charities.