PEOPLE who work in Worcester city centre will be given discounts if they spend their money in local shops.

A new scheme offers 16,000 permanent employees in the city centre a range of discounts from more than 60 participating businesses.

The Employalty Card has been set up by Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) as a way to boost trade.

Holders of the card will be entitled to money off clothes, restaurant bills, jewellery, haircuts, photographs, holidays, toys and beauty treatments.

People must work at BID levy-paying businesses to qualify for the card.

One business taking part is Halo in Friar Street, which has promised a 10 per cent discount on all purchases for Employalty Card holders.

Owner Laura Woodyatt said: “We want to encourage those people who perhaps just work in the city but don’t spend money here to sample what we and other businesses have to offer.

“Having seen the offers, I will also certainly be using my card with other businesses now as well.”

BID manager Adrian Field said: “If we can get the 16,000 people who do work in the city centre to spend more while they are here and boost the local economy then the Employalty Card will reward both them and participating businesses.”

Worcester BID chairman Nicki Williams said: “We have been delighted with the response from businesses that have been quick to see the benefit of this BID scheme. They have put together some fantastic offers which they have devised to ensure it is a win-win initiative.”

Worcester BID is a not-for-profit private sector organisation funded by businesses to boost trade.