Employers invited to strengthen financial wellbeing with new ‘Pledge Day’ initiative

Employers across Stoke-on-Trent are being invited to take a simple but powerful step to support their workforce as the city prepares for its first Credit Union Employer Pledge Day.

The initiative, which will take place on 20 May, is spearheaded by The Potters Bank and aims to expand access to payroll savings - a scheme that allows employees to save directly from their wages into a secure, local credit union account.

The Potters Bank was launched in October 2025 and was created to provide fair, accessible financial services for people across Stoke-on-Trent. Run by Just Credit Union, it helps residents build savings, access affordable credit and reduce reliance on high-cost lenders.

Now, Pledge Day marks the next phase - working directly with employers to embed financial resilience into the workplace.

Through payroll savings, employers can offer staff a free, voluntary benefit that:

• Helps employees build regular savings habits
• Improves financial resilience and reduces money-related stress
• Provides access to ethical, affordable lending when needed
• Supports overall wellbeing, productivity, and retention

There is no cost to the employer, and minimal administration once the scheme is in place.

Pledge Day, which will be marked with a launch event at the Jubilee Hall in the council’s civic centre, will aim to bring together employers from across the city - from SMEs to large organisations - all committing to give their staff access to a simple, practical financial tool.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce are supporting the initiative and will be speaking at the launch.

Employers attending the event will:

• Learn how payroll savings works
• Understand the benefits for their workforce
• Have the chance to make a public pledge to support employee financial wellbeing

Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty and corporate services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This is about giving people a fair chance to build financial security - starting with something as simple as saving a few pounds directly from their pay.

“For employers, it’s an easy win. It costs nothing, but the impact on staff wellbeing can be significant.”

Employers who want to attend Pledge Day, between 10am and noon on 20th May, can register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985820949918?aff=oddtdtcreator

The website for Potters Bank can be found here - www.thepottersbank.org