Support for staff during the cost of living crisis

• We received accreditation as a real Living Wage employer with the new rate effective from 1 January.
• Our Rewards Extra scheme is a package of benefits for University of York employees. It includes savings on childcare, transport and health cover, as well as discounts with retailers. 
• We have pulled together sources of free financial wellbeing support and information for staff. 
• Counselling and emotional support is available 24 hours a day through Health Assured, our Employee Assistance scheme, on 0800 028 0199. 
• Health Assured can also provide practical advice on financial matters, including legal, financial, tax and debt advice.
• We made a one-off payment for staff on grades 1 to 8 in their November 2022 salary. See FAQs on the one-off payment.

We are working on additional ways we can help University employees and we will update this page with support and guidance as soon as we can make it available. 

City of York Council also provide tips and advice on managing your money, energy bills and benefits advice. You may be able to claim payments under the council's Household Support Fund. 

• Find help managing your money on the Live Well York website
• City of York Council's Household Support Fund
• Get benefits and money advice
• Find out how to save money by saving energy

You can also find out what Government support is available to help with the cost of living. This includes income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.

If you're looking for ways to cut down on food bills and reduce food waste, here are some ideas that other staff have recommended:

• Olio for free food. On the app, you'll find people nearby who are giving away food to avoid it going to waste.
• Approved Food sells food that's past its best before date (but not its use-by date) at reduced prices.
• Too Good To Go lets you buy food from businesses like cafes and restaurants that would otherwise go to waste at the end of the day.

You can also take a look at the Slack channels #recycle-chat and #recycle-for-sale-or-wanted, which are a great way for staff to rehome unwanted items within our community. 

Ask for help if you need it

It can be hard to talk about money worries, and they can have a significant impact on your mental health and wellbeing. 

You can access free resources through the University’s Employee Assistance Programme, run by Health Assured. 

These include a free, confidential advice line, which you can call with any problem, no matter how big or small, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Call them on 0800 028 0199. 

There is also online information and help if you prefer to access support this way.

Last reviewed: Thursday 26 October 2023