If you shop at retail giants Asda, Sainsbury's and even TK Maxx, then you could receive some huge discounts - but only if you work in any one of 14 jobs. These retailers give customers an additional discount of up to 60% off if they work in the education sector - and it's all thanks to a scheme that very few people know about.

Birmingham Live reports that the scheme, which is called Discounts for Teachers, can be used by anyone who works within the sector and includes teaching assistants, school administrators and even volunteers. Deals currently include as much as 60% off at TK Maxx, £16 off a £60 shop at Sainsbury's, 30% off at Asda and 20% discounts at Oasis, along with many other retailers.

The scheme also gets you money off holidays, including 15% off at Haven and 10% discounts at Hoseasons, as well as 15% off some stays at booking.com. The scheme says: "Our discounts aren't just for teachers! If you work in the education sector in any position you can benefit from our discount scheme!

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"Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, cleaner, canteen staff or work in any role in education, we have a huge range of money saving deals and vouchers, from discount holidays, money off fashion fixes through to deals on gym membership, mobile phones, and utilities. Your hard work should be rewarded. We’re here to make sure you are."

One primary school teacher and avid user of the scheme, 29-year-old Rhian Roberts, hadn't heard of the scheme until a colleague announced it in her school's staff room. She said: "Thank goodness we have got Discounts for Teachers, but a whole group of us had never heard of it before.

""It's definitely meant savings in the hundreds of pounds over five years. It's made a huge difference since the cost of living started going up, especially as I have had a pay cut every year since starting my job, when you factor in inflation.

"I get a lot of use out of it, and I use it most weeks. It is great when buying gifts for people. I can get people things I would not be able to afford otherwise."

Another teacher, named Linda, wrote a review which said: "I came across discount for teachers by chance when searching for vouchers for an online order. I have since used it for a number of items - and whilst the savings are not always a significant amount , in the current economic climate any money saved is a bonus.

"Great to have the teaching profession recognised alongside blue light and armed forces - awesome company to be alongside."

Who can apply for the Discounts for Teachers scheme?

  • All School & College Staff
  • All University Staff
  • All Preschool & Nursery Staff
  • Teachers
  • Lecturer/Professor
  • Director/Principal­
  • Headteacher/Deputy/Assistant­
  • Leader/Coordinator
  • Private Academic/Non Academic
  • Retired
  • Students
  • Volunteers
  • Domestics
  • Dinner Staff

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