A recession-busting scheme that gives discounts to Worcester workers who shop in the city has been shortlisted for a national award.

The Employalty Card was set up to reward staff at Worcester Business Improvement District (BID), a not-for-profit organisation funded by businesses to boost trade in the city centre.

More than 1,600 employees have signed up to the free loyalty card which gives them more than 70 offers and discounts.

The scheme has been shortlisted for the Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM) awards in the Outstanding Work by BID or Partnership category. The winner will be announced in June.

Worcester BID manager Adrian Field said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this prestigious national and international award and it is great to be acknowledged for the team’s work.

“It couldn’t have happened without the support of the businesses themselves.

“The Employalty Card has been very well received by employees in the city and we are still getting businesses wanting to make an offer for the thousands of people who shop regularly in the city centre.

"We want them to spend money while they are in Worcester and raise awareness of the fantastic array of businesses there are here.”

The latest business to sign up to the scheme was Worcestershire County Cricket Club. It is offering five tickets for the price of four for any home match to Employalty Card holders.

David Leatherdale, the club’s chief executive, said: “We think the scheme is a great way of promoting businesses and getting people who are already in the city centre to contribute to the local economy and rewarding them at the same time.

“We also have 21 members of staff who have an Employalty Card and are enjoying the benefits.”

For more information go to worcesterbid.com