Back when the cinemas were open (remember that?) I went to the movies and one of my friends offered to book our tickets as she could get 40% off all our passes with her workplace reward scheme. What further sweetened the deal was she could also hook us up with some cheap cinema snacks.
As if it couldn’t get any better – the discount wasn’t only on set weekdays. She could buy low-cost cinema tickets any day of the week.
Here I have been banging on about Meerkat Mondays (and how I managed to get my hands on a membership for just £1) – but that is limited to one extra ticket a week and only on Tuesday and Wednesdays.
This was a revelation to say the least.
Naturally, it got me thinking: what other employee discounts are available? Unfortunately, as I’m self-employed, there is no reward scheme for me – but I thought I’d pull together a list for NHS Workers.
SO HOW DO YOU GET THESE BARGAINS?
There are several reward schemes offered to employees of the NHS which offer invaluable money-saving opportunities. The Blue Light card, for instance, provides those in the NHS, Emergency Services and Armed Forces with discounts both online and in store – and it seems to offer money off a ton of restaurants and retailers.
While some restaurants and retailers offer money-off deals simply for showing your NHS identification card – so no need to sign up or print of vouchers in advance.
But, like with all bargains, it is crucial to do a quick check online to make sure that this is still the best savings – particularly with the restaurants. Also, your NHS discount can’t be used in conjunction with any other offers.
Here are twelve NHS discounts you can get without signing up to a reward scheme.
1 O2
Here NHS staff can get up to a 25% discount on the Airtime Plan of one O2 Refresh phone tariff, and one tablet or mobile broadband tariff.
The O2 Refresh Airtime Plan covers the monthly cost of your calls, texts and data. The offer doesn’t apply to your Device Plan, which is the monthly cost of your device.
A heads up: you’ll need to claim your O2 Open discount within 28 days of signing up or upgrading to O2 Refresh and the contract must have been bought directly from O2 (not Carphone Warehouse, for instance). The deal also excludes Pay-As –You-Go contracts, a standard non-Refresh tariff, a business account or a sim-only deal.
2 Vodafone
National Health Service and ambulance service employees qualify for savings of 15% on Pay-Monthly bundles bought with a phone or tablet, including Vodafone Outlet offers or get 30% off Pay-Monthly SIM only bundles
The Vodafone Advantage discount is available on phone, tablet and SIM only plans – and up to five family members or friends can save too.
Bear in mind that there is a £10 membership fee for the Vodafone Advantage scheme which will be added to your bill after the discount has been applied – so do your maths in advance to ensure you are really bagging a bargain.
3 EE
With this mobile phone provider, you can get your hands on a 20% discount – and share it with four of your family and friends, so long as they are pay-monthly customers.
This perk is available online, so can’t be applied in-store or by calling 150, and purchases through indirect channels such as Carphone Warehouse are not eligible for the perk discount.
It’s worth pointing out that you’re unable to apply discounts once your order/upgrade has been processed. The discount code must be entered at the checkout at point of purchase.
But the good news is, that should you leave NHS employment, your discount will continue until the end of your contract.
4 Apple
You won’t find any discounts listed directly on the Apple Store or when browsing in physical stores, but they are available.
The amount you get varies, but can amount to as much 10%.
If you have an NHS ID you can simply produce it in physical stores to qualify for discounts, or mention it when buying over the phone. In the case of the latter you’ll need to email a photo of the ID to confirm you are indeed an employee of the health service.
Should you prefer to use Apple’s website, then you’ll need to talk to your HR department at the NHS who will be able to provide you with links and credentials to find the discounts at the Apple Store.
5 Lovehoney
If you are looking for something a bit naughty, NHS workers can get a 20% discount on adult products, including sex toys, lingerie and much more.
Free delivery on orders over £40 – and discreet packaging is guaranteed.
6 Pets at Home
Pet owners who work for the NHS can get a 10% discount if you show your ID at the till.
Bear in mind that the discount can’t be used online, or on pets, fish or plants, insurance products, gift vouchers or cards, VIP Subscribe & Save, or easy-repeat orders.
7 AO
If you are shopping for large kitchen appliances and work for the NHS, check out AO as you can get a discount of 10%. .
Everyone from doctors and frontline medical staff to porters and care home workers qualify, just provide a valid NHS.uk or NHS.net email address.
Bear in mind that the discount only applies to laundry, dishwashers, fridges, freezers and cooking appliances, and does not cover sound, vision, phones and computing.
8 Hilton Hotels
If you are jetting off for a weekend away, Hilton Hotels are worth a look for accommodation as the chain offers up to 25% off room prices for NHS or government employees. You can book online, by checking ‘Gov/Military rates’ or call 0808 109 9798 to get the discount.
9 Subway
Sandwich lovers can get 10% off your meal at Subway with your NHS ID badge. Bear in mind that as restaurants are franchises, the discount may vary at each location, so ask before you order.
10 Frankie & Benny’s
Take your NHS ID badge to one of the 200-plus locations across the county and receive 20% off your food bill. The only catch? You must order two main course meals to qualify.
11 Leon
Head down to your local Leon and get 30% off your food bill any time of the day or any day of the week. Easy.
12 Nando’s
If you are a fan of a cheeky Nando’s every now and again, you’re in luck – the restaurant offers a 20% discount for all NHS staff on the production of your badge prior to ordering. Available up to an order value of £20, the discount only applies to the purchase of food and drink.
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I work as a nurse in NHS but have no NHS email – as many of my colleagues don’t. So how can I claim unlimited data till October as advertised?
Do we get discount off trycross zoo ?
No you can’t get anymore freebies… don’t you think you have enough discounts already?
what’s your problem with NHS Staff. Get a grip and get out if you don’t like them.
Can cares get discont
Hi I’m a full time carer for my husband who has had a stroke csn I apply
I am a retired NHS worker on a NHS pension . Have recently changed my email address and not able to receive discount offers
No body cares
I DO CARE FOR NHS STAFF
You can also get NHS discounts here: https://www.uniformbenefits.com/nhs-discounts/
Hi,could you pls assist me
I work in a community pharmacy and have previously enjoyed the benefits of the NHS discount
However,currently I can’t seem to access the 25% discount with O2 because I have been asked for a five character company code—– What will this code be for nhs staff or could you pls tell how to get this code
Many thanks
Thank you for your comment. From what I understand, you will have to get the code from your employer, most likely the HR department.
NHS01
Do u not have to work for the NHS
How can I post my offer for my business?
How can I put my business on this website? 20% off all meals