Employee Benefits Handbook 2024

March 2024

ABOUT DECORA

Established in 1979, Decora are a family-owned business that has grown substantially over the past 40 plus years to become one of the most successful and trusted blind manufacturers in the UK & Europe.

Who is covered?

All Decora employees on a permanent or fixed term contract. Agency workers, consultants and contractors are not covered. Qualifying length of service, job role restrictions and department restrictions may apply to some benefits.

“ At Decora we value your contributions to our success and want to provide you with a benefits package that protects your health and helps your financial security, now and in the future. We continually look for valuable benefits that support your needs, whether you are single, married, raising a family, or thinking ahead to retirement.

This handbook is an overview and does not provide a complete description of all benefit provisions. For more detailed information, please refer to policy documents or speak with a member of the HR Team. “

Stuart Dickson Group Managing Director

Did you know?

YOUR PAY

Competitive Salaries

At Decora we understand the market and value each of our employees. We aim to remunerate all employees sufficiently and in accordance with their role and responsibilities.

Bonus Scheme

A company performance based bonus scheme is applicable to managers and supervisors. Further detail will be provided to eligible employees.

Decora have annually increased employee salaries 11 times in the last 12 years. The only year an increase didn’t take place was due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pension

The Company’s pension scheme is provided through NEST (National Employment Savings Trust). It is open to all employees.

Upon joining Decora, monthly paid employees will be automatically enrolled in the pension plan. Weekly paid employees joining in or after August 2023 will be automatically enrolled upon completion of 3 months service.

NEST’s online service lets you access your plan details 24/7. This means you can keep track of your savings at a time and place that suits you. You can also use their online retirement planning tools to help you fine-tune your retirement plans.

If you have retirement savings built up in other pension plans, you can transfer them into this plan. Having all your retirement savings in one place could make it easier for you to keep track of them. You should speak to a financial adviser before you make a decision.

To find out more visit www.nestpensions.org.uk

Personal and Professional Development

Our aim is for employees to grow with us so we provide a range of career supporting opportunities:

• On the Job Training

• Internal Next-Step Programmes

• Accredited Training Courses

• Educational Support

• Paid Professional Memberships

• Opportunities for Career Progression

• Employee Forum Representation

• First Aid Training and Representation

Enhanced Annual Leave

At Decora we offer enhanced annual leave arrangements. Weekly paid employees will receive a total of 31 days and monthly paid employees will receive a total of 32 days.

Employees can also build service days –1 extra day for every 3 years of service, capped at 3 extra days.

Paid Time Off for Medical Appointments

Employees are entitled to 5 x 1 hour paid medical / dental appointments per rolling 12-month period. Should an employee be required to attend hospital for a day procedure, Decora will pay for up to 1 full day per rolling 12-month period.

Quarterly Attendance Bonus

We value and appreciate excellent time keeping and attendance from staff. Therefore, for every full quarter worked without any periods of sickness/lateness or absence, employees will receive a £50 One4All voucher. Vouchers will be distributed within 3 weeks of the quarter ending.

The quarterly attendance bonus is based on full attendance during the below periods

Quarter 1

1st January to 31st March

Quarter 2

1st April to 30th June

Quarter 3

1st July to 30th September

Quarter 4

1st October to 31st December

Did you know?

In 2023, an average of 60% of our workforce received an attendance bonus each quarter.

Loyalty Bonus

Decora are committed to rewarding employees for their service and loyalty to our business.

All employees who have completed more than 1 years’ service will receive a £200 gross payment annually in their January salary (last Friday).

Did you know?

In 2024, 76% of employees recieved the 1 years’ service bonus.

Long Service Awards

Decora recognise the following periods of long service: 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years and 30 years as at 1st January for the previous year. Awards for any longer periods of employment will be discretionary.

The Long Service Awards will take place in June and the award will be a Gift Voucher for the following value:

5 years = £200

10 years = £300

15 years = £400

20 years = £600

25 years = £800

30 years = £1000

Did you know?

Our longest serving employee started in 1986.

30 YEARS

£1000

25 YEARS

£800

20 YEARS

£600

15 YEARS

£400

10 YEARS

£300

5 YEARS

£200

YOUR HEALTH

Group Life Assurance

This scheme is provided through MetLife Insurance.

Life can be unpredictable for both businesses and people – so as a valued employee we want to provide as much financial support as possible to your family and dependants in the event of your death. Our Life Assurance Scheme will provide a tax-free cash payment of 4 times your gross salary to your nominated beneficiaries.

The scheme is renewed annually and the Human Resources Department will automatically add you to the scheme upon completion of 1 year qualifying service.

You can nominate and amend your beneficiaries as you wish. To do so contact the HR team.

Your membership in the scheme will cease on the date of whichever of the following events occurs first:

• On reaching the termination of membership age of 67 years old.

• Upon termination, either voluntary or otherwise, from employment with Decora

This scheme also provides free and confidential bereavement and terminal illness support for all employees and their families.

The helpline, staffed by qualified counsellors, is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – as often as you need it and for as long as you need it.

Call 0800 917 0096 –

Quote “MetLife” and “Decora”

Healthshield

Healthshield is available to all employees with a minimum of 6 months service. Eligible employees will be automatically enrolled and receive a welcome pack.

Employees can avail of various great services, all readily accessible via the Breeze App:

• Health Cash Plan

• Thrive Mental Wellbeing

• Virtual GP Anytime Service

• Online Helath Assessment

• Online PERKS Discount Scheme

Health Cash Plan

Employees can claim back the cost of everyday healthcare such as optical, dental and physiotherapy appointments up to a limit of the level they are enrolled at. Decora covers the cost for all employees and children up to the age of 18 at LEVEL 1, however employees have the option to increase their level or add a partner at an additional cost.

Thrive Mental Wellbeing

Understanding your own mind is key to improving your mental health. Thrive is the NHS- approved app that is packed full of tips and techniques to help you to monitor and improve your mental health.

Virtual GP Anytime Service

GP Anytime enables employees to speak to an NHS GP over the phone, or via video consultation, at a time that suits them. There is no limit to the number of times you can use this service and there is the option to have prescriptions delivered directly to your home or work address, if needed.

Online Health Assessments

The better we understand our own health, the better lifestyle decisions we’re able to make. Healthshield offer easy-to-access online health assessments and they are a great way to make simple positive changes to your lifestyle.

Plus, you can receive tips, video guides and advice on nutrition, lifestyle and fitness.

Online PERKS Discount Scheme

As a Healthshield member you can benefit from a variety of cost effective discounts on shopping, days out and much more. Discounts can be online or retail and are definitely worth checking out!

To find out more simply log on with your membership number: www.healthshield.co.uk/members

Wellbeing

Decora are committed to ensuring the protection and promotion of physical health, mental health, and wellbeing of employees. It is recognised that the health and wellbeing of employees has a significant impact on a positive workplace culture, and there are actions that can be taken within the work environment and outside of work that can have positive impacts.

Mental health conditions are common with approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK experiencing mental health illness each year. There is often a stigma associated with mental health issues and Decora have a clear policy intended to help with normalising the discussion around mental ill health and the promotion of tools that can be used to assist employees during times of need.

For more information see Health and Wellbeing Policy.

Defibrillators

According to the British Heart Foundation, in the UK there are over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests every year, they inform that early CPR and defibrillation can double the chances of surviving.

Decora has fully automatic Defibrillators in place across all sites. They provide valuable assistance via their one-piece CPR-D electrode, giving a rescuer immediate feedback on depth and rate of compressions during CPR. It’s hoped that we will not need to use this potentially lifesaving equipment, however we are prepared to respond quickly if the need arises.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER

Mental Health First Aiders

It is recognised that early intervention is important to assist employees with mental ill health, to aid proactive identification and to direct on support methods. Decora have externally trained Mental Health First Aiders across all sites and shifts.

Mental Health First Aiders are identifiable by “Mental Health First Aider” Badges. A list of Mental Health First Aiders is also available on HSE Noticeboards, on the Intranet or by speaking to a Supervisor or Manager.

Support Services

Health Shield

• Virtual GP Anytime Services

NHS

• Direction on a range of physical and mental health positive behaviours

• Healthy eating, exercise, sleep, nutrition, alcohol, smoking, addiction, and pain management

www.nhs.uk/live-well

Lifeline

• Lifeline is a crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair

• No matter what your age or where you live in Northern Ireland, if you are or someone you know is in distress or despair, Lifeline is here to help www.nhs.uk/live-well

Samaritans

• Help line crisis response UK wide

• Call 116 123 for free https://www.samaritans.org/

Did you know?

We have the capacity to manufacture up to 40,000 blinds each week.

OTHER INCENTIVES

Discount on Company Products

All employees with more than 6 months service qualify for 50% discount (pre VAT) on manufactured blind orders and 15% discount (pre VAT) on manufactured shutter orders. Employees can make 3 orders in 1 calendar year with a maximum of 15 blinds per order. Orders can be placed for personal use or for a family member / friend.

For more information see Employee Ordering of Manufactured Blinds Policy.

Employee Referral Scheme

At Decora, we greatly value personal recommendations. Therefore, to recognise and reward successful employee referrals, the Company has an Employee Referral Scheme in place.

In making a referral, the referrer must feel comfortable in presenting the candidate as a potential employee of Decora.

An employee (the referrer) who successfully refers a new employee (the person referred) will receive a £200 One4All voucher and the person referred will also receive a £100 One4All voucher, on successful completion of a minimum 6 month probationary period.

For more information see Employee Referral Scheme Policy.

Employee Recognition

Our employees are important to us and we strive to recognise their efforts and achievements where possible.

Formally, Decora have in place an Employee of the Quarter Scheme. An employee can be nominated and if successful they will receive a £100 One4All voucher.

Informally, we operate a Simply Recognise programme where employees can achieve peer recognition and praise.

For more information see Employee Recognition Scheme Policy.

Employee Suggestion Scheme

Decora operate a Suggestion Scheme as a mechanism to encourage creativity and generate innovative ideas aimed at adding value and benefitting the way we work.

The scheme allows employees the opportunity to shape our existing working practices and in return receive recognition and reward for suggesting enhanced business improvements.

Acceptable suggestions are those which:

• Result in a financial saving / benefits to the Company

• Have a beneficial effect on customer service, brand image or the Company

• Increase in productivity

• Reduction in quality issues

• Procedural improvements

• Environmental impact

If successful in their suggestion the employee will receive a £50 One4All voucher

For more information see Employee Suggestion Scheme Policy.

Flexi Time Policy

At Decora we acknowledge that work life balance is important to our employees.

We operate a Flexi Time Policy that offers employees flexibility on their start and finish times. It also allows employees the option to build time up within the same month.

The scheme will not be appropriate in all areas of the business due to service delivery needs.

For more information see Flexi Time Policy.

Family Friendly Policy

The company is committed to assisting employees as far as possible to combine their career and family responsibilities effectively. This supports Decora’s focus on diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities. Our policy aims to state the benefits and outline support to employees who become pregnant, adopt a child, or whose partner gives birth to a child or adopts a child.

Topical areas of policy;

• Maternity leave and pay

Statutory entitlements.

• Paternity leave and pay

In addition to statutory entitlements, we pay 3 full days leave.

For more information see Family Leave Policy.

Decora also support flexible working requests in line with legislation.

Did you know?

We buy a baby gift for each employee’s new arrival and it is delivered straight to their home.

Vitality Leisure Membership

Decora have a corporate arrangement in place that entitles all employees to a discounted individual or family membership to all six leisure facilities within the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.

Lagan Valley LeisurePlex, Dundonald International Ice Bowl, Lough Moss Leisure Centre, Glenmore Activity Centre, Grove Activity Centre and Kilmakee Activity Centre.

The membership package includes a host of activities including gym, swimming and fitness sessions, as well as tenpin bowling, ice skating and leisure pool activities.

If interested contact the HR Team to receive the required confirmation of employment letter for registration.

(NI only)

Connected Fitness Membership Lisburn & Lurgan

Decora have a corporate arrangement in place that entitles all employees to a 15% discount off normal membership fees.

Email gym@connectedfitness.uk, quote “Decora” and they will provide the required payment link.

(NI Only)

Get Active ABC Membership

Decora have a corporate arrangement in place that entitles all employees to a discounted individual membership to all nine leisure facilities within the ABC Council.

These facilities include Banbridge Leisure Centre, Gilford Community Centre, Dromore Community Centre, Keady Recreation Centre, Orchard Leisure Centre, Rathfriland Community Centre, Richhill Recreation Centre, South Lake Leisure Centre, and Tandragee Recreation Centre.

The membership covers various activities including gym access, swimming, fitness classes, and equipment hire for cycles, kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes at South Lake Leisure Centre.

If interested contact the HR Team to receive the required confirmation of employment letter for registration.

(NI Only)

AXA Insurance Discount

Decora are pleased to offer a corporate discount to AXA insurance services, for new and existing AXA customers:

• 15% discount on Car Insurance and FREE car rescue

• 10% discount on Home Insurance

• 5% discount on our Van Insurance

Crossover discounts available if members have more than one policy.

Drop-in to any of AXA’s 10 local branches across Northern Ireland

Call their own dedicated phone number on 02892 444666

Click for a quote at www.axani.co.uk/decora

(NI only)

SIM Only discount

Decora through our partner Barclay Communications are able to offer discounts on SIM only deals

• 15% discount off High Street

SIM only deals

Call Barclay Communications on 02890 960366 quote “Decora”

(UK wide)

DELL Advantage Program

Decora are pleased to be a member of DELL Advantage for Employees. This program allows our employees to receive exclusive discounts of up to 20% across all DELL systems and electronics (Laptops, Desktops, Alienware, Monitors, accessories) for personal/home use.

To avail of the discounts and receive your exclusive voucher code, follow the below;

• Employees with a work email address –use the self-service portal link www.dell.com/en-uk/lp/employees

• Employees with no work email address –send an email from your personal email account to mycoupon@dell.com . Include an image or copy of a confirmation of employment letter, which can be obtained from HR.

Once you have received your voucher code, visit www.dell.co.uk and apply your code during checkout.

If you experience any issues along this process, please contact dell_advantage-uki@dell.com

Charity Commitment

Decora are committed to supporting local and national charities through various events each year. We have an established Charity Committee that coordinate activities. Charities and events we regularly support include: