EXCLUSIVE: The University of Reading has launched a salary sacrifice car leasing scheme and re-introduced its bikes-for-work scheme.
The new benefits are aligned with the university’s sustainable travel plan and carbon reduction targets.
Claire Eckett, HR manager, rewards and benefits at the University of Reading, said: “These benefits support the plan by encouraging staff to travel to work in ways that will reduce environmental impact, by cycling, using public transport or by driving a low-emission car, because only cars with low-emission levels, capped at 130g/km, are available through the car leasing scheme.”
The car leasing scheme, Mycar, is provided by Leasedrive, while the bikes-for-work scheme is provided by Halfords.
The organisation last ran a bikes-for-work scheme in 2009, but withdrew it due to the changes to HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) rules governing the scheme, low levels of take up and administrative issues.
Eckett added: “We launched a new scheme during National Bike Week in response to staff demand and also to complement a package of travel benefits for staff.”
The University of Reading offers a range of other travel benefits for staff, including:
- Bus+ – Launched in 2013, the scheme allows staff to purchase a commuting card via a salary sacrifice arrangement to travel to and from work. It is offered in partnership with the local bus organisation.
- Parking+ – Launched in 2014, the workplace parking scheme is also available via a salary sacrifice arrangement.
The new schemes were communicated to staff through the university’s online portal, via email and during a benefits roadshow that was hosted on-site.
Eckett will speak in a session titled ‘Motivation and recognition schemes to drive productivity’ at Employee Benefits Live.
The event will be held at Olympia National in London on 24 and 25 September 2014.
