The move, which comes into force from 1 October 2022, will impact all colleagues  - some 3,400 people.

“Our moral responsibility as an employer is to look after our people at all times, but doubly so in the face of an acute cost of living crisis” said Oliver Lee OBE, CEO of Places Leisure.

“It is for this reason that I am beyond delighted by this announcement; I can’t easily imagine making one that is more important or about which I am more passionate.  I sincerely hope that it helps our terrific people now and into the future. We will always leave no stone unturned in caring for our people such that they can continue best to care for the communities we are privileged to serve.”