Your benefits

Enjoy a generous annual leave allowance, paid for by us. You’ll receive a minimum of 25 days holiday each year, plus eight days bank/public holidays (pro-rated based on your standard weekly working hours).

The annual leave year runs 1 January to 31 December each year. If you are unsure how many days holiday you are entitled to, you can review this here.

How do I book annual leave?

You can book your annual leave using the annual leave system.

Flexible holiday

With us, you can also tailor your holiday allowance to suit your lifestyle using our flexible holiday scheme.

To enjoy this benefit, you must be a permanent or fixed term employee. On an annual basis you’ll be able to:

• Buy up to 15 additional days holiday (pro rata for part time employees)
• Sell up to five holiday days (pro rata for part time employees)

The cost of buying and selling holiday is calculated as:
Hourly rate x hours (to buy/to sell) requested / 12 monthly deductions

Any remaining holiday balance at the end of the holiday year will automatically be carried forward into the new holiday year (up to a maximum). This is pro-rated for part time employees.

How do I apply?

This benefit is only available during the annual enrolment window. Once the window has opened, log in and navigate to the ‘Benefits’ tile. From there you will find Flexible Holiday Buy & Sell in the benefits list where you can select the number of days you would like to buy or sell.

If you’re passionate about a particular charity and would like to make a difference, our charity donations scheme helps you to give more to the causes you care about by making tax-efficient donations.

It’s quick and easy and you can specify the amount that you would like to donate each month (subject to a minimum contribution of £4 per month).

How do I apply?

You can join the charity donations scheme throughout the year. Simply log in, select the ‘Benefits’ tile, go to ‘Change my benefits’ and follow the instructions.

Once you join the scheme, you will need to open a charity account where you can manage your individual charity donations. The provider will write to you with details of how to set this up.

Contact details

For members of the scheme, the provider contact details are:

Charities Aid Foundation
Phone: 03000 123 019

In 2018 the Government closed the childcare voucher scheme for new entrants. If you are not already receiving childcare vouchers, you are unable to start receiving these.

Instead of Childcare Vouchers, you can join the Government’s Tax-Free Childcare scheme. For more information about Tax-Free Childcare, the Government has published a number of resources at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.

Employees who are currently in the company’s Childcare Voucher scheme, can continue to utilise this benefit, but it is important to understand which option is best for you and to remember that you cannot participate in the Government’s tax-free childcare scheme and receive Childcare Vouchers at the same time. Nor can you re-join the Childcare Voucher scheme once you have left.

The company's Childcare Voucher scheme helps you to make savings on your childcare expenses in a convenient and tax-efficient way. You can choose to exchange part of your salary for childcare vouchers to pay for your childcare costs and you will not be taxed on a proportion of this amount, meaning it will cost you less and you can save on income tax and National Insurance contributions.

Childcare Vouchers can be used to pay for a range of registered or approved child carers, including registered nurseries, childminders, play schemes, after school clubs and crèches.

Basic rate tax payers will be able to save tax and National Insurance on £243 per month (£55 per week), higher rate tax payers on £124 per month (£28 per week) and additional rate tax payers on £110 per month (£25 per week).

How do I make changes to my monthly childcare vouchers?

You can make changes to your monthly childcare vouchers throughout the year. Simply log in, select the ‘Benefits’ tile, go to ‘Change my benefits’ and follow the instructions.

Care-4
Email: info@care-4.co.uk
Phone: 0844 800 1444

A business needs vehicle or a car allowance may be available, depending on your terms and conditions of employment. You are eligible for a business needs car if you travel regularly on behalf of the company. You may also be entitled to use of a fleet, pool or hire vehicle, depending on your role. Your employment contract will say if you are eligible.

This benefit pays out a tax-free cash sum if you suffer a serious illness. A wide range of conditions is covered, including heart attack, cancer and stroke, and the payment may be used as you wish.

How do I apply?

This benefit is only available during the annual enrolment window. Once the window has opened, log in and navigate to the ‘Benefits’ tile. From there you will find Critical Illness in the benefits list where you can select your level of cover.

You can choose your level of cover in units of £25,000, up to a maximum of £250,000. You can also include your children on the policy at no extra cost and your partner for an additional premium.

You don’t need to fill in a medical questionnaire on joining but any pre-existing conditions are excluded, so you can’t claim for any condition you have suffered from before taking out this benefit.

Contact details

For members of the scheme, the provider contact details are:

Canada Life
Claims helpline: 0117 916 4463

Cycling is a great way to travel to and from work. It's quick, easy, convenient, great for the environment and great for you!

The Cycle To Work scheme lets you hire bikes and safety equipment free of income tax and National Insurance, allowing you to save up to 42%. Whilst the bike should be mainly used for your commute, a variety of bikes is available including mountain and leisure bikes.

Important information:

Should you already have a bike for work under the cycle scheme and wish to select another, in order for it to qualify as a bike for work you will need to prove that both bikes are used for your commute. Where this is not the case, the second bike will be treated as a taxable benefit.

At the end of the 12-month hire period, you may be able to buy your bike or equipment from us. If you leave the company before the end of the 12-month hire period, the remaining amount owed will need to be repaid and will normally be taken as a net deduction from your final salary payment.

How do I apply?

You can join the Cycle To Work scheme throughout the year. Simply log in, select the ‘Benefits’ tile, go to ‘Change my benefits’ and follow the instructions.

You can choose a bike and qualifying safety equipment of a value up to £3,500 (incl. VAT) per year and this will be taken out of your pay by Salary Exchange in 12 equal instalments. For example, if you choose the maximum voucher amount of £2,500 your salary will be reduced by £208.33 each month.

Contact details:

For members of the scheme, the provider contact details are:

Cyclescheme
Email: info@cyclescheme.co.uk
Phone: 0344 879 5101

You can manage your dental care needs in a cost-efficient way with our Dental Insurance scheme. It can help towards the cost of unexpected treatments or routine care for you and your family.

There are four levels of cover:

• Radiant 1
• Radiant 2
• Radiant 3
• Radiant 4

Some employees may be entitled to an enhanced dental benefit based on their terms and conditions of employment. Please log in to find out more.

How do I apply?

This benefit is only available during the annual enrolment window. Once the window has opened, you will need to log in and navigate to the ‘Benefits’ tile and select the level of cover you need.

If you’d like more information before the annual enrolment window opens, you can log in and find out more.

Provided by Square Health, the Aviva DigiCare+ Workplace app gives you access to a range of health and wellbeing services at your fingertips. Once registered, you can book online appointments with a digital GP, nutritional consultant or a mental health consultant. It also includes bereavement services. You can request a self-administered Health Check test kit, which includes a follow-up GP consultation to discuss your results. It also offers a UK-based second medical opinion service.

The Aviva DigiCare+ Workplace offers these services:

• Annual Health Check
• Digital GP
• Second Medical Opinion
• Mental Health Consultation (including additional sessions for bereavement support)
• Nutritional Consultation

 

How do I apply?
You will be set up with an account and invited to download the DigiCare+ Workplace app via an email from no-reply@squarehealth.com. Within the app you will be able to access all the service listed above and add your family members.

We’ve partnered with Aviva’s DigiCare+ Workplace app, provided by Square Health, to offer you a Digital GP service.

Designed to complement existing NHS treatment, the Digital GP is a private doctor service offering access to clinical advice and guidance in non-emergency situations. It offers the peace of mind of being able to speak to a doctor quickly. You can book Digital GP consultations seven days a week, between 8am and 8pm. Consultations last up to 20 minutes, including wrap-up time.

How do I apply?
You will be set up with an account and invited to download the DigiCare+ Workplace app via an email from no-reply@squarehealth.com. Within the app you will be able to access the Digital GP.

What does it cost?
There is no cost to use the Digital GP service. However, anyone using this service will have to meet the cost of the medication. In the event you/the patient uses the next day at home delivery service, then delivery charges will also apply.

Who can use this service?
You can access the Digital GP services if you’re insured under your employer’s Group Protection policy. It’s also available to your spouse and partner and dependents up to the age of 18 (or 21 if in full time education)

You can make everyday savings using ‘Discount Plus’ portal. Discounts include:

• Retail vouchers – save on your day to day shopping at major supermarkets, fashion and department stores
• Travel – access a travel concierge and benefit from discounts on all major tour operators, package holidays, free upgrades on hotel bookings, car hire and airport parking
• Concierge service – dedicated concierge service is available to you, from sourcing the cheapest iPad on the market to finding a local plumber

Make the most of these discounts anytime, by logging in and visiting the ‘Discount Plus’ tile. Or visit the website here and log in.

Mobile phone discounts

We’re offering you, your family and friends discounts on your personal mobile phone plans through the Vodafone Employee Advantage scheme.

Save up to 15% on your monthly bill with the Vodafone Advantage scheme for you and one other family member or friend. You’ll need to apply for the offer within 30 days of setting up your new contract or upgrade. A small registration fee may apply.

To apply, click here and follow the instructions. For more information, contact Vodafone on 08080 022 058.

The Electric Vehicle Scheme (EVS) is a great way to support our net zero targets – by giving you the opportunity to lease a new electric vehicle that is fully maintained and insured through a salary exchange arrangement.

You can join the Electric Vehicle Scheme (EVS) throughout the year. Simply log in and select the ‘Benefits’ tile to be taken to the Zenith portal. You can choose your make and model of EV car, annual mileage amount and lease term to suit your needs, the deductions will be taken out of your pay by Salary Exchange in monthly instalments over your chosen lease term of 24, 36 or 48 months. The Electric Vehicle Scheme is available once your probationary period is successfully completed.

Important information:

The car will be treated as a company car for tax purposes, you will be required to pay the tax on the value of this benefit as it is classed as a benefit in kind reported through your P11D. This is typically collected by way of an update to your tax code. At the end of the lease period, you will be able to take out a new lease or buy your car from Zenith.

If you need to contact Zenith please access the Electric Vehicle Scheme (EVS) portal by clicking the link to the Zenith portal OR via the Zenith portal link at the top of the Electric Vehicle page. The contact email and telephone number are confirmed on the provider site.

We’re committed to helping you maintain your health and well-being and that’s why we provide you with an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

Our EAP service is provided by ComPsych and called GuidanceResources®. It’s a free, confidential service, created to help you access guidance and support when you need it. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, whatever your concern.

The benefits of using the EAP can help prevent small problems in your life from becoming big problems, help control the negative effects of challenging situations or simply help you feel happier and more energetic. Examples of when you can call the EAP include:

• When you are struggling to deal with the pressures of your job and need support
• When you need support with life’s challenges, sudden illness, loss of a loved one, relationship worries, caring for an elderly parent or going through a divorce
• When you are feeling overwhelmed at the thought of retiring
• When the number of commitments you are juggling become increasingly challenging for you and are affecting your work and personal life
• When you need support with one-off concerns; having a difficult conversation with a colleague or talking to your child about a difficult subject that they may be facing such as bullying or staying safe online
• When you are struggling to balance work and life commitments

How do I contact the EAP?

There are various ways you can access your EAP resources:

Phone: Call 0800 048 5512 and you’ll speak to a counselling professional who will listen to your concerns and can guide you to the appropriate services you require.

Smartphone: Download the GuidanceResources App through the App Store or Google play.

If you recommend a potential new employee to our recruitment team and they are successfully hired, as a way of showing our appreciation we will pay you an incentive payment. The amount you receive will depend on the difficulty level and urgency of the position that we’re recruiting for and not all referrals will qualify for this incentive payment.

There’s no limit to the amount of people you can refer, so if you think you know someone who would fit the culture and skills we’re looking for, introduce them now using the careers website.

If your job requires you to use a laptop, iPad or a similar display screen for long periods of time, you could receive free eye tests and contributions of up to £49 towards glasses. If eligible, you'll need to log in to request a voucher, which will act as payment for your eye test with Specsavers.

Your Specsavers optician will determine if you need VDU glasses and will be able to show you the options available to you in the £49 range which is covered by the business. If you choose glasses above this value, you will need to settle the difference with Specsavers directly upon purchase.

We're passionate about looking after our people, which is why we give you funding for fitness activities with your colleagues. Whether you’re interested in setting up a new sports club/fitness class or you already run one such as 5-a-side football after work, you can apply for funding to buy equipment, hire courts and pitches or to subsidise the rates of fitness classes.

This benefit is only available during the annual enrolment window. Once the window has opened, log in and navigate to the ‘Benefits’ tile. From there you will find a Fitness Funding tile where you can select the level of funding your club requires up to a maximum of £300 for the year.

Note: for more information on this benefit, please review the Fitness Funding guidelines on YourReward.

Coughs and colds are part and parcel of the changing seasons, but flu is different. Flu is caused by different viruses and can be much more serious. In most cases, if you’re relatively young, healthy and fit then flu won’t be serious but complications from the flu can develop in anyone.

It’s important that we are given the opportunity to protect ourselves from catching and spreading this illness.

Each year, in the autumn, the company offers free flu jab vouchers for employees in the UK, which can be redeemed in various retailers during the winter months.

If you are already with us, watch out for specific internal communications on how to apply for your voucher.

All employees are eligible to opt for Gadget Insurance and if you choose this benefit you will be covered for an unlimited number of gadgets. You can choose to cover your own gadgets, yours and your partner’s or yours and those of your immediate family.

This benefit is only available during the annual enrolment window, you will have the option to choose from Standard or Premier cover, dependent on the option that suits you.

Your wellbeing is important, so we offer discounts on annual gym memberships at over 2,500 health clubs, gyms and leisure centres, including many of the largest UK chains such as David Lloyd, Virgin Active, Fitness First, Pure Gym, Nuffield Health, LivingWell, GymBox, Soho Gyms, Better Gyms (GLL), Everyone Active, BMF, Places for People, OneLeisure and many more.

You can choose from different membership options, including:

• A single or joint membership
• Peak and off peak memberships

Important information

This benefit has an earlier deadline than the other benefits. If you are selecting Gymflex during the December window, please log in to find out more. If you are selecting Gymflex between January-November, you must submit your choice by the 19th of the month for your gym membership to be effective from the 1st of the following month.

The cost of your annual membership will depend on the health club and membership level you’ve chosen.

The annual fee will be paid on your behalf and deducted in 12 equal instalments via payroll. Membership will start from the 1st of the following month and covers you for 12 months.

This benefit allows you to pay for cover towards everyday health treatments and is available to everyone.

We’ve teamed up with Simplyhealth, to offer money back towards the cost of a range of everyday healthcare services through our Healthcare Cash Plan benefit. Types of treatment include:

• Dental treatment – check-ups, fillings, scale and polish
• Optical treatment – sight tests, contact lenses, prescription glasses and sunglasses
• Chiropody
• Therapy treatments – physiotherapy, acupuncture, osteopathy, chiropractic and homeopathy
• Private consultations, tests and scans
• Health screening

Valuable Health and Wellbeing Services are also included, giving you fast access to a confidential 24 hour counselling and advice line, 24-hour telephone access to a doctor, and discounted gym membership.

You will be able to choose from five levels of cover and you may also have the option to extend your cover to family members.

Some employees may be entitled to the company funded Healthcare Cash Plan benefit with Medicash based on their terms and conditions of employment, please log in to find out more.

If you are not eligible for Private Medical Insurance, or leaving the company scheme but would like to explore options for a personal policy, you can speak to our partners at Mercer Marsh Benefits and their experienced team will be pleased to help you. The team will discuss your requirements for a policy and help you to put the right cover in place for you and if required your family. You can contact the team on 0800 011 3136 or individualhealthcare@mercermarshbenefits.com.

This benefit provides you with financial peace of mind in the form of a lifetime income if you are unable to work due to serious ill health or injury. To be eligible for this benefit you must:

• Work as an annual salaried UK employee; and
• Be aged between 16 and the state pension age (variable dependent on date of birth).

In the event, you are unable to work due to illness or injury, you should receive company sick pay. If you are unable to work for more than 26 weeks, you may be eligible to receive extra support if you meet the scheme criteria, which will provide you with:

• A minimum of 50%* of your basic annual salary
• For those who are members of the Mercer Master Trust, your pension contributions up to a maximum of 15% of your basic annual salary**.

* This will depend on the terms and conditions and you may receive enhanced benefits.

** Your basic annual salary, before Salary Exchange.

How do I apply?

You do not need to do anything to be covered by this benefit, it is provided to you automatically by the company. However, upon making a claim, payment of any benefit is subject to assessment and acceptance by the insurer of this benefit (currently Aviva). The insurer will require information from you, your employer, and your treating doctors, to assess your claim.

If you die whilst working for the company, we believe it’s important to make sure that your family are looked after by providing them with financial support. The life assurance scheme pays out a tax efficient cash lump sum to your beneficiaries in the event of your death whilst in full-time or part-time employment. 

The company currently operates two life assurance schemes, referred to as the Registered Policy and the Excepted Policy. The benefit is provided under the Registered Policy unless you are notified otherwise. 

You are automatically enrolled on joining and are funded for a core benefit of 4 x annual salary. The company also offers additional flexibility on this benefit, allowing you to increase the level of life assurance cover up to 10 times your basic salary and for some, reduce this down to two times your basic salary, depending on which option is best suited to you. You can make changes on joining and at other Life Events and each year at Annual Enrolment.  

If you receive benefits within the British Railways Pension Scheme (RPS) or Local Government Pension Schemes (LGPS), you will receive a lump sum rather than a core payment and full details will be outlined in your terms and conditions of employment. You can purchase additional life cover, but you cannot reduce this below your core level.

Cover will cease if you leave the company, or if you remain employed by the company at age 75 (please note there could be the potential of extending cover to age 80, subject to terms).

If you receive benefits under the Excepted Policy, you can purchase additional life cover on a net pay deduction basis, but you cannot reduce your cover below your core level.

It’s important that you regularly review and update your 'expression of wish' form, so the Trustees of the scheme know who your chosen beneficiaries are.

Whether you see yourself travelling around the world or living comfortably among family, retirement will eventually come around, so it’s important to make sure you save enough now to enjoy later.

We provide our employees with a competitive defined contribution pension arrangement, meaning you and the company pay monthly contributions free of tax into the Plan. When you participate via Salary Exchange, you will also benefit from a National Insurance saving.

While we have broad consistency in contribution structures, there are some variations due to legacy employment arrangements within the organisation. If you’re a current employee you may be enrolled in one of our legacy pension schemes, which are now closed to new employees.

For information on all of our current and historical pension schemes, visit the Pension section of this website.

You’ll have been notified in writing if you are eligible for this benefit. If you have not been contacted, you will not be able to choose this benefit.

Receive prompt, high quality medical attention with the company’s Private Medical (PM) scheme. This covers the cost of your medical treatment, making sure that you get the care you need, when you need it.

We’ve partnered with Bupa to offer you this benefit, and we will have written to you to let you know if you’re covered and the level of cover you're entitled to. In some cases, you’ll have the option to extend your cover to include a partner and/or dependant (at an additional cost to you).

The healthcare scheme is designed to cover private healthcare treatment by specialists for acute conditions where you have first obtained GP referral. A summary of the benefit is available when you log in and select More Info on the Private Medical tile.

Whilst this is an employer funded benefit, you’ll be required to pay the tax on the value of this benefit as it is classed as a benefit in kind reported through your P11D. This is typically collected by way of an update to your tax code. You’ll save employee's National Insurance on the cost you pay for cover.

We’ll have written to you to confirm if you are eligible for cover. Depending on your level of cover, you could extend this to family members. You will be automatically enrolled if you are eligible and you must log in in and opt out if you do not wish to be covered. All cover will start from the 1st of the following month.

We want to thank you for the hard work and service you have completed during your time with us, so when you retire, you’ll receive either a lunch or lunch plus gift depending on your length of service.

If you have been with the company for over five years, your team will hold a celebratory leaving lunch for you. We hope that you enjoy the event!

In addition to the lunch, if you have 10 or more years’ service, you’ll also receive a gift (this typically ranges from £250-£500, depending on the length of service you have completed). The gift is formally presented at a gathering, paid for and organised by your business unit, and you can bring up to 25 guests along to celebrate this milestone with you.

Do I need to apply for this?

You do not need to apply for this gift; however, you will need to notify HR and your line manager that you wish to retire in writing. If you’re approaching retirement and have any questions about this benefit, please contact your line manager.

Take the hassle out of your commute and benefit from annual travel discounts by applying for an interest free season ticket loan of up to £10,000. This is a great way of managing travel costs, as you pay back the loan over 12 months. To be eligible, you need to:

• Be employed by the company on either a permanent basis or on a fixed term contract
• Your contract of employment must extend 12 months or more after joining the scheme
• Have successfully completed your probation period

Important information

If you already have a season ticket loan and are reaching the end of your 12 month agreement, you can apply for your next season ticket loan in month 12, you do not need to wait for month 13. You must use the loan to purchase an annual season ticket to travel between home and work. And after you have received the loan, you can purchase the season ticket yourself.

This benefit pays out a cash lump sum if your partner dies. It’s a financial safety net that helps you and your family financially if the worst happens.

How do I apply?

This benefit is only available during the annual enrolment window. Once the window has opened, log in and navigate to the ‘Benefits’ tile. From there you will find a Spouse Partner Life Assurance tile.

In order to be accepted for this benefit, you will be required to digitally sign an online agreement to a number of statements on behalf of your partner.

You can choose your level of cover in units of £25,000, up to a maximum of £250,000.

Enjoy peace of mind whilst travelling abroad by taking up one of our Travel Insurance policies. Your policy will cover you for lost luggage, medical expenses and for personal incidents - helping you to feel more at home when you’re away from home. Choose to cover a partner or family member and they can also benefit from hassle-free travel, even when travelling independently. You will have the option to choose from worldwide cover, including or excluding winter sports, dependent on the option that suits you.

Having a Will can minimise your family’s financial difficulties and help them to avoid lengthy legal proceedings at the time of their bereavement. It can also ensure your estate and/or children will be looked after by the persons of your choosing, and help to reduce Inheritance Tax.

Choose a Will for yourself or if you are married or in a relationship, you should select one of the joint options.

Important Information

If you need to make a change to your Will or if you decide you need a different level of service (for example, you elected single but now would like joint), you will need to contact the provider, James McKenzie, directly.

We value your commitment and loyalty to the company and as a way of showing our appreciation, if you reach certain milestones, you'll have the opportunity to select a gift of your choice.

When you have an approaching service milestone, #WOW automatically emails your manager and colleagues, inviting them to contribute a personalised note that will be included in your service award.

There is a wide range to choose from and the amount you receive will depend on your length of service. More information about the #WOW Service Awards can be found on Sphere.