NATIONWIDE Building Society will give a one-off cost of living support payment to more than 11,000 staff as energy bills soar.

The Swindon-based business will help nearly two-thirds of its 18,000-strong workforce by offering an extra £1,200 to those with an annual salary of £35,000 or less.

This comes after the company increased pay for all its employees by four per cent and raised the base salaries of its 4,000 lowest-paid colleagues earlier this year.

CEO Debbie Crosbie said: “The months ahead will be worrying for many people and we’re always considering new ways to help our members.

"But rising prices affect our colleagues too and that’s why we’re providing this additional support.”  

From September, all frontline colleagues will receive training to provide the additional cost of living help for members.

In October, experts will be able to offer face-to-face, telephone and video appointments.

Virtual and in-branch events will be held for members from the autumn.

A freephone cost-of-living hotline for those experiencing money worries is supported by dedicated, trained experts based across the society’s main branches. It is available from 9am to 4.30pm weekdays and 9am-12pm Saturdays on 0800 030 40 66.