Nottingham brewery to create 30 jobs as it rewards staff with wage boost

Castle Rock Brewery says it has implemented the National Minimum Wage increases five months early as a “thank you” to its employees for their hard work during the pandemic – and is looking to create at least another 30 jobs immediately.

Minimum Wage is expected to increase from £8.91 per hour to £9.42 in April 2022, however the directors of the brewery and pub group have chosen to increase their employees’ pay as of Monday 1 November.

“This is a big investment for us, especially with rising business costs” says managing director Colin Wilde. “However, the cost of living is rising too, and we recognise that a little bit extra can go a long way to help with bills during winter and the expense of Christmas.”

In the early days of the pandemic, senior management at Castle Rock made substantial salary sacrifices in the hopes of protecting jobs, with Wilde himself taking a minimum wage salary. This led to the company launching the Castle Rock Hardship Fund, which provides emergency financial support to employees in crisis.

“Our people are everything. We want to ensure they are looked after and supported as we navigate our way out of the pandemic,” Wilde added.

Operations director Vicki Saxby said she hoped the rise would make the festive period more comfortable for everyone. She added: “Without your dedication and hard work, we wouldn’t be where we are now. The business has only survived thanks to the efforts of our Castle Rock family.”

Due to come into effect in April 2022, the mandatory increase will result in over £1,000 extra per year for full-time employees.

Castle Rock is holding its first official recruitment day on Thursday 21 Oct at the Canalhouse, Canal Street, between 12noon and 7pm.