Today, Blackhawk Network Extras, a flexible workplace, benefits platform and Worldpay from FIS^® (NYSE: FIS), a global leader in financial services technology, have launched Worldpay Rewards, through its Worldpay for Business segment focused on small to medium-sized businesses. This new benefits platform will offer eligible businesses in the UK a unique benefits solution to support them and their employees during this financially challenging time.

In today’s current climate, businesses are struggling to retain staff due to the pressure of increasing wages and a competitive marketplace for talent. However, research from Blackhawk Network finds that 83% of employees say employee benefits play, or could play, an important role in helping them through the cost-of-living crisis. To help tackle these issues Blackhawk Network has partnered with Worldpay from FIS to provide their existing and new merchants an employee incentive portal, giving them access to a comprehensive choice of benefits solutions via the Blackhawk Network Extras benefits platform.

The partnership means Worldpay from FIS can provide support to its merchants and give cost-saving benefits to their employees. Businesses can build a flexible, personalised benefits package that suits them and their employees.

Worldpay Rewards will be available to merchants in the UK subject to eligibility and is part of a wider commitment from the business to support businesses with further initiatives to be announced during 2023.

Christina Wagner, SVP, Worldpay for Business at Worldpay from FIS said: “We’re pleased to partner with Blackhawk Network Extras, not only because of the market-leading benefits portal, but because of a shared desire to make a genuine difference to businesses when they need us most during a time of global economic uncertainty. We understand the many challenges businesses are facing right now, and our mission is to help these businesses thrive - this partnership will help us to help them.”

Chris Ronald, VP EMEA at Blackhawk Network said: “We’re delighted to partner with Worldpay from FIS to offer employee benefits as a support to SMBs who are facing incredibly challenging times. With a network of merchants up and down the country facing financial difficulty with rising costs and talent shortages, Blackhawk Network Extras and Worldpay from FIS can offer benefits that put money back in the pockets of employees. From cashback and discounted gift cards for everyday spending to savings on big-ticket items like bikes, technology and white goods through salary sacrifice, all without any additional cost to the business itself. Tools like ours can help an employee’s salary stretch further and will only become increasingly important as the cost of living continues to rise.”