McNicholas Construction Services has introduced a flexible benefits scheme that it hopes will pay for itself through employer national insurance savings. Over a third of the construction company's 650 staff have bought into the scheme, which incorporates pensions, private medical insurance and childcare vouchers among other voluntary benefits.

The flex scheme is intended to bolster staff motivation and morale, and aid the company's recruitment and retention levels. Staff receive scheme updates of the online package, provided by consultancy firm KPMG, by newsletter every eight weeks.