Electricity distributor UK Power Networks has rolled out GP access, physiotherapy, and private diagnosis and treatment services to its more than 5,000 frontline staff.
The organisation, which owns and maintains the electricity cables and lines in London, the south east, and east of England, introduced the plan to provide staff with a cost-effective scheme that supports the everyday health issues having the biggest impact on them and their ability to do their jobs.
The plan, which is provided by Equipsme, is a hybrid arrangement between private medical insurance (PMI) and a health cash plan. This includes 24/7 GP access provided by Health Hero, alongside physiotherapy, diagnosis and treatment provided by Axa Health.
UK Power Networks decided to strengthen its health and wellbeing support after identifying a gap in its benefits and reward portfolio. It was also receiving feedback from staff about how they were struggling to see GPs and their interest in health benefits, so it wanted to help them.
Steve Remnant, head of reward, HR services and employee relations at UK Power Networks, said: “Everyone has access to a health cash plan, an employee assistance programme and occupational health services. We’ve got a PMI plan, but it only covers those in the most senior roles. There was a gap in terms of practical, physical diagnostic and treatment services for the wider population, and the equitable thing for us to do was to modernise and equalise our health support.
“We wanted to give people a fast-track to a GP or a consultant, get them an early diagnosis and swift intervention. Our people are now more likely to be seen for diagnostic testing and medical or therapeutic treatment for conditions in days or weeks. For us, it’s about making sure we’re the sort of employer that people want to work for, and an attractive proposition in the modern market. We think these are the things businesses absolutely should be doing to support people, attract the best candidates, and retain them.”
