Latest news with #BlueLightCard
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Discount app that ‘beats Blue Light Card' could save you over £2,000 a year – see if you're eligible
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DISCOUNT app said to be better than the Blue Light Card could save more than a million workers over £2,000 a year. The Discounts for Teachers App provides savings at hundreds of retailers - and it's not just teachers that can sign up. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 You could save over £2,000 a year with the Discounts for Teachers app (Credit: Discount for Teachers) Anyone who works in education, including teaching assistants, support staff, caterers and maintenance staff, retired education workers, and lecturers and professors, can all get the discounts. Discounts for Teachers says its 1.5million members save £2,262 a year - or £188.50 a month - using the app. This includes £265 in transport and travel savings, £259 in grocery savings, and £186 on mobile and TV. You can also save up to £214 on your utility bills with the app. Some of the brands that will give you money off include B&M, Burger King, TIU, George at Asda, Ikea, Halfords, Jet2, and Ocado. You can also get cashback through the app at a range of retailers, including Sainsbury's, Asda, Boots and B&Q. It's free to sign up to the app and get the discounts, and you can also get push notifications so you can see when new offers drop. Discounts for Teachers claims it offers higher savings than the Blue Light Card, which is popular among emergency, NHS workers, and teachers and is provides savings of up to £800 a year. Gareth Jones, the boss of Network Digital, which owns Discounts for Teachers, said: 'We're proud to support teachers every day. "This app launch is about building a deeper connection with our teacher community – making it easier, quicker, and more rewarding to benefit from the savings they deserve." How to apply You can sign up by visiting and filling out the registration form. You'll be asked to provide a work email address or a valid document to prove you're eligible. If you work in the education sector but can't see your job on the list, Discounts for Teachers will still allow you to join. It states on its website: "There are so many roles in the education sector that unfortunately we can't list them all on our registration form. "Please select the closest match and be assured that all staff, in any role, are entitled to our discounts." What is the Blue Light Card? The Blue Light Card is typically available to NHS staff, emergency services, social care workers, and armed forces personnel, offering around 15,000 different discounts. The scheme was extended to teachers last year, but only to primary and secondary school teachers, as well as those in Sixth Form colleges and Special Schools. Staff that work in higher education are not currently included in the scheme. When it was announced the scheme would be extended to teachers last year, the website and app crashed due to "unprecedented demand" on the system. If you're eligible for the card, you can get a digital one for free or it costs £4.99 for a physical card, which lasts two years. To be eligible for a Blue Light Card, you' ll need to prove your profession by uploading a form of valid ID or recent payslip. To sign up, just head to the Blue Light Card website where you'll have to fill out a form. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Asda making major improvements to its website and app
The supermarket giant's website and app will undergo "improvements" over the coming months as it makes big system updates. These changes will be rolled out gradually, with the first already available to customers. UK supermarket rankings 2025 The "big" changes being made to Asda's website and app Asda will be introducing four big changes to its website and app over the coming months. It has already rolled out a map, where customers can track their deliveries right to their front door. Shoppers used to be charged for their full shop when it was delivered and were forced to submit a refund request for any unwanted products. Now, Asda will only take payment for the products shoppers receive, scrapping the need for refunds. What are your refund rights? Other changes set to be introduced will include: Faster, more relevant search results No sponsored products in Your Favourites An Asda spokesperson said: "Our online shopping App is having a facelift, and we can't wait for customers to see the changes that are being made. "As part of the changes we've updated our refund process, so customers will now only be charged for their shopping once it's been delivered - which means if customers decline any substitutions they don't need to wait for a refund. "Additionally, a new and updated delivery tracking system is now available- so customers can track their driver's journey right up to the front door." 5 ways to save money on your weekly food shop The Asda website warned customers to expect some "teething issues" while these changes are being made. More improvements are expected once Asda's new website and app are up and running. RECOMMENDED READING: Other changes at Asda in 2025 Asda has made several other major changes already in 2025, including scrapping Blue Light Card Benefits. This came as a result of Asda's partnership with Blue Light Card came to an end on May 27. The supermarket chain also announced in June plans to modernise and expand the menus at 180 of its cafés as part of a £10 million investment programme. Last month, Asda revealed it was looking at major staffing changes, which involved merging key leadership positions.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Mum's £200 budget for entire summer holiday after hitting rock bottom in debt
Savvy spender Mercedes explained how her family went from living in their overdrafts to keeping their summer budget at £200 for all six-weeks of the school holiday Mercedes Smithson and her family of four are gearing up to stretch a mere £200 over the entire six-week school holiday. Despite the tight budget, Mercedes isn't embarrassed about the thrifty measures they'll be adopting this summer, following a reality check earlier in the year. The family reached rock bottom financially, having to borrow money from Mercedes' mother, max out credit cards, and withdraw wages early just to scrape by. With bills skyrocketing and finances stretched thin, Mercedes and her husband Joel decided to take control of their situation. Speaking to What's The Jam, she said: "We couldn't keep living in our overdrafts every month. Setting a £200 budget for the holidays felt scary at first, but it's actually taken a lot of pressure off. The kids don't need expensive trips – they just want time with us [my husband and me] and a bit of fun." The NHS assistant practitioner believes that while £200 might not seem like a lot, it can be stretched quite far with a bit of ingenuity. She admitted that being near the seaside has been a haven for keeping the children entertained at almost no cost. Her 12 year old son and eight year old daughter have been making the most of homemade picnics on the beach, river paddles, library visits, and playdates in local parks, all of which are free. And when it's time to cash out, Mercedes is always on the lookout for deals such as Pizza Hut's £1 kids' meals. Mercedes has assured her children they won't miss out on summer fun, as she's planned a grand day out at a theme park. Using £40 in Tesco Clubcard vouchers coupled with her Blue Light Card discount to minimise expenses. She explained: "I've had to get a lot more creative, but it's actually been fun finding cheap ways to keep the kids busy. They've not once complained or asked for anything expensive – they're just happy we're spending time together. "It's easy to feel guilty as a parent, like you're not doing enough, but I've realised memories don't have to cost money. We've had days full of laughter without any big price tags, and that's what counts. "Local events have been a lifesaver; they're often free and give the kids a chance to meet others. It really brings the community together." However, Mercedes admitted it takes some effort: "It's a bit of work to plan everything, but I actually enjoy the hunt for bargains and free fun. It's like a little game for me now. The satisfaction of making the budget stretch and still seeing the kids happy is worth every minute. It's taught me a lot about what really matters, and that's priceless." Taking to social media to share her journey and thrifty tips for the summer holidays, Mercedes quickly garnered a substantial following and heaps of encouragement from other parents keen to trim their own spending. She said: "I wasn't expecting so many messages from parents saying they feel the same way. It's comforting to know we're not alone. Being honest about money struggles can be hard, but it's helped me connect with others and feel proud of what I'm doing. "If anyone is secretly judging me, I honestly don't care. This is the smartest thing to do right now with how expensive everything's got."
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
All jobs eligible for a Blue Light Card with hundreds of discounts across UK
Blue Light Card is a UK discount service specifically for members of the emergency services, NHS, social care sector, and armed forces. Here are the jobs that are eligible for the discount card The Blue Light Card is a UK discount service tailored for the emergency services, NHS, social care sector, and armed forces community. It unlocks a treasure trove of discounts from thousands of online and high street retailers to local businesses. On its website, Blue Light Card states: "We exist to show our appreciation for the Blue Light community, your service and sacrifice. Giving you the discounts you deserve, and access to exclusive experiences and rewards". Eligible members can tap into a vast array of over 15,000 discounts ranging from holiday deals to dining experiences. Introduced in 2008, the Blue Light discount scheme was designed to thank the 'Blue Light Community' and public sector workers. The initiative has enabled millions to enjoy savings via a multitude of discount partners. This comes after Martin Lewis warns 'nothing to do with me' after complaints from money savers. While it's commonly associated with NHS staff, police, and firefighters, the scheme actually covers a broader spectrum of professions than many realise, reports the Liverpool Echo. For a modest fee of £4.99, the Blue Light Card offers two years of access to extensive discounts, making it a no-brainer for avid shoppers looking to recoup their investment through savings. The Blue Light Card website lists all eligible categories, which include roles from teaching to optometry. However, if your profession isn't listed, you won't be able to get a Blue Light Card at present. Eligible categories include: NHS Police Fire Service Ambulance Service Teachers HM Armed Forces/Reserved Armed Forces Pharmacy Optometry Dental Practice MOD Police Home Office HM Prison and Probation Service Highway Traffic Officers Search and Rescue Red Cross RNLI Independent Lifeboats HM Coastguard Environment Agency Animal and Plant Health Service Blood Bikes To apply for a card, you must use the photo of your ID document(s) to verify your eligibility for a Blue Light Card. Once it's been checked by a team member, it can be removed from the system. You can request a Blue Light Card via the Blue Light Card website by choosing the 'Sign Up' option. You will then be guided to start your application. You can also apply through the app. Blue Light Card holders can use their discount cards for money off at a variety of retailers and service providers, both in-store and online. These include popular supermarkets, cinemas, site-seeing attractions like Alton Towers, retail stores, restaurants, and more.
Scottish Sun
01-08-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Full list of jobs that qualify for Blue Light Card – with savings of £800 a year including at Asda and Starbucks
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of workers can get access to discounts of up to £800 a year thanks to the Blue Light Card. The discount scheme was set up in 2008 to reward "Blue Light" and public sector workers with discounts from a number of retailers, including Apple, Asda and Domino's. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Millions can apply for the Blue Light Card for thousands of discounts Card members can save an average of over £800 per year, based on an average saving of £70 monthly on groceries and other everyday essentials. You can use it to get discounts on clothes, holidays, insurance and even cars, and it can be used to across thousands of restaurants, shops and venues. There are around 15,000 discounts to choose from. It's typically available to NHS staff, emergency services, social care workers, and armed forces personnel. However, the scheme was extended last year to teachers, leading to thousands more signing up for an account. Primary and secondary school teachers are eligible, as well as those as Sixth Form colleges and Special Schools. Staff that work in higher education are not currently included in the scheme. When it was announced the scheme would be extended to teachers last year, the website and app crashed due to "unprecedented demand" on the system. If you're eligible for the card, you can get a digital one for free or it costs £4.99 for a physical card, which lasts two years. You can use the digital card by downloading the Blue Light Card app via Google Play or the App Store. It also has a interactive map feature to help you find local discounts closest to your chosen location. Who is eligible for the card? Anyone in the following roles is eligible for the card: Ambulance service Blood bikes Fire service Highways traffic officers HM armed forces HM armed forces veteran HM coastguard HM prison and probation service Home Office (Borders and Immigration) Independent lifeboats MoD civil servant MoD fire service MoD police NHS NHS Dental Practice Pharmacy Police Red cross Reserved army forces RNLI Search and rescue Social care St Andrews ambulance St John ambulance Teachers excluding higher education staff How to register for a Blue Light Card To be eligible for a Blue Light Card, you' ll need to prove your profession by uploading a form of valid ID or recent payslip. To sign up, just head to the Blue Light Card website where you'll have to fill out a form. Bear in mind, you'll be asked a couple of questions, for example, about your job title and where you work. The retailers that participate in the Blue Light Card scheme can change regularly, meaning there isn't a comprehensive list of stores you can use it at. So it's worth checking whether the discount is valid on the store website if you're shopping online, or asking a member of staff when at the till in-store - the worst they can say is no. Some of the current participating brands include: Apple Hotpoint JD Sports Toby Carvery New Look Odeon Ray Ban Abercrombie & Fitch Samsung Starbucks Superdry Cineworld Popeyes Asda Always make sure to shop around for better offers before making a purchase to be sure you're getting the best deal possible. Blue Light Card holders can also make big savings on their holidays with discounts from companies such as Jet2, EasyJet and Expedia. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
