Waterford employers are being encouraged to support local businesses when rewarding staff this Christmas.

Waterford Chamber is calling on companies to choose the Think Waterford First Gift Card, which can be spent in more than 150 businesses across the city and county.

CEO Gerald Hurley said Waterford has yet to realise the full potential of the scheme, pointing out that Letterkenny records almost 20 times the sales, while Dungarvan achieves more than twice Waterford’s figure.

He said choosing local gift cards could help keep more money circulating within the Waterford economy.

‘When those rewards are provided through national or international gift cards, much of that spending can leave our region,’ he said.

Under Revenue’s Small Benefit Exemption Scheme, eligible employees can receive qualifying non-cash benefits of up to €1,500 annually tax-free.

Mr. Hurley added: ‘We are not asking Waterford businesses to spend more. We are simply asking you to think about where you spend it.’