Citysave Credit Union Calls on Employers to Sign City of Savers Pledge

Friday 13 February 2026

Birmingham’s Citysave Credit Union is calling on employers to help protect their workers by signing the City of Savers pledge. The pledge involves businesses enabling payroll deductions which then go into a savings account automatically. It means employees can save small amounts of their pay before it hits their pocket to help protect them when an expected bill comes along.

While Birmingham is known for its high employment rates, Citysave highlights that this isn’t translating into financial security for many, with Government data showing almost half (42%) of the city’s workers are living in ‘employed poverty’, meaning they are living below the breadline despite having a job.

To date, employers in the region such as Birmingham City Council, the University of Birmingham, West Midlands Combined Authority and England Illegal Money Lending Team – BCC Trading Standards have signed the pledge and now offer the benefit to their workers.

Sean Lynch, CEO of Citysave, says: “We believe everyone in our city deserves the chance to build a secure financial future, regardless of their income or background. By working directly with employers, we are removing the friction from saving and making it a natural part of working life.

“Payroll deductions through a credit union can help employees put a little money aside each month, whilst employers are able to offer this benefit completely free-of-charge to both them and their employees. This employer-led initiative is a way to build a more financially resilient city by tackling the cycle of living payday to payday.”

Dean Lathbury, Reward Officer at West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “It is so important to offer support to the financial wellbeing of our West Midlands Combined Authority colleagues and working alongside Citysave allows us to do this.  West Midlands Combined Authority are therefore very happy to be part of the Citysave family. Signing this pledge signifies our continued commitment to supporting Citysave and our employees’ financial health”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “City of Savers is the grassroots movement we need. It’s a simple, smart way to tackle in-work poverty by helping working people save money and feel more secure. This is about creating a more productive and resilient workforce and building a stronger, more stable economy for everyone.”

To join the initiative or for more information on to become a payroll partner, visit citysave.org.uk/city-of-savers.