Caroline Jackson, a telesales manager, has worked for Punch Taverns for three-and-a-half years. She explains that being part of its share scheme increases her interest in the organisation's financial wellbeing.
Jackson invests the maximum £125 a month from her salary into the share incentive plan (Sip). After the company has matched this contribution, she has a total of £250 going into the scheme each month.
The contribution from her employer has impressed Jackson. "Schemes at other companies I've worked for were non-funded so I paid the full £250 whereas when I joined Punch, with its 50/50 split, I actually checked to make sure I hadn't mis-read it because I think that's absolutely fantastic." Her participation in the scheme ensures Jackson actively watches the company's share price, which is also published on Punch's intranet site. "It's an excellent way of investing in the company and receiving something back. It means I take an interest in what's happening from a financial point of view," she explains.
Jackson is also a member of the company's group personal pension plan (GPP), into which she puts in 2% and Punch contributes 7%. "My background is in financial services so I understand the importance of pension planning, and planning at a very early age," she says.
