Dragon's healthy boost to charity fund

Published on Wednesday 10 September 2008 10:16

TELEVISION star Duncan Bannatyne has encouraged staff at one of his gyms in the Lothians to take part in a charity scheme.

He will spend time this week urging workers at the Bannatyne's Health Club in Musselburgh to join the initiative in which money is taken directly from staff wages and given to charity, adding up to 40 per cent in tax benefits.

It comes as part of the Workplace Giving scheme, which should earn more cash for charities from donations. If all giving in the UK was done in this way, it would earn up to an estimated 900 million extra every year.

Michelle Henderson, who runs the bar and cafe at the Newcraighall Road gym, said: "Donating to charity through the Workplace Giving scheme is an excellent idea. Having the donation come directly out of your salary means charities get extra money. It's a win-win situation."

Dragons' Den star Mr Bannatyne added: "I'm signing up my companies to Workplace Giving and I'm hoping my 3000 employees will be as enthusiastic as I am about the scheme."