Co-op
We’re one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, owned by and run for our members, not a small group of stakeholders. We’re the UK’s fifth biggest food retailer, with more than 2,500 local, convenience and medium sized stores. We’re also the UK’s number 1 funeral service provide, a major general insurer and a growing legal services provider.
No other business in the UK really compares when you consider the breadth of our businesses, our campaigning and our work in communities. Since 1844 and the formation of the Rochdale Pioneers, we’ve been making a different in the world we live in and it’s thanks to our amazing colleagues that we continue to do so today. Everything they do helps us get closer to realising our vision – Co-operating to build more value for our member-owners every day.
At Co-op, we’re run differently. We’re not owned by a wealthy few, we are owned by our members. They have a say in how we’re run. Help to pick our leaders. Choose how profits are spent in their local community. And when you’re owned by the people, you can do right by the people. When it comes to your food, your community, your life and even your death. It’s only right that it is determined by you. We’re not just a little blue shop. We’re a 180-year-old movement, 5 million people strong, all trying to do the right thing. Owned by you. Right by you.
As well as having clear financial and operational objectives and employing nearly 70,000 people, we’re a recognised leader for our social goals and community-led programmes. We exist to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in. So, the more successful we are, the more we can give back to you and your local community.
- Telus Health discounts
- Nuffield Health Virtual Gym Membership
- Help with travel costs (season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme)
- Credit Unions offer better deals than banks
- Wagestream app for early pay access and savings
- Support from partners like Step Change and Grocery Aid
- Interest free rental deposit loans
- Generous holidays, increases in line with service
- 52 weeks’ maternity leave & enhanced pay.
- Paternity, non-pregnant parent, & co-adopter leave (total of 4 weeks)
- Shared Parental Leave
- Adoption and Surrogacy Leave
- Paid time off for fertility treatments
- Compassionate Leave. Career Breaks
- Virtual Health Services for colleagues and families
- 24/7 GP appointments
- Employee Assistance Programme for practical guidance
- Free eye tests or £10 off preferred optician’s test
Case Studies
Amber Samara
Amber came to the UK from Syria in 2017 as an English teacher, but it soon became apparent her qualifications and experience didn’t meet UK requirements, and she was rejected from several teaching roles.
Without UK based experience, it was very difficult to find a job in her new home, and with a 3-year-old son to support, Amber became frustrated and disheartened.
However, in 2019, Amber came across a role at Co-op’s Avonmouth logistics depot, where she secured a position as a Warehouse Operative. Co-op didn’t require any previous experience to apply and offered hours of work that enabled Amber to be around in the morning and the evening for her young son.
Not long after joining Co-op, Amber was able to grow her career in logistics by securing a new role as a Warehouse Support Assistant in 2020. She’s since progressed even further, taking on the position of Finance Site Support Assistant.
Amber’s husband joined her in the UK in 2021, and after she referred him to Co-op through their colleague referral scheme, he found a role at the depot that fit perfectly around his wife’s hours and childcare.
Co-op’s support and flexibility has enabled Amber and her family to thrive in the UK. Their shifts fit around school hours, and they share rest days which allows them to spend quality time together every week.
Amber is currently expecting her third child and will soon be going off on maternity leave – she loves her role at Co-op and loves what the business stands for. In the future, she hopes to study for some finance qualifications with Co-op’s support, enabling her to continue her career with the organisation that helped her make the UK her home.
