Bupa launches a cycle to work scheme

Bupa has launched a cycle to work scheme for 6,000 employees as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve staff fitness.

The scheme, which went live last month, allowed participating employees working across the membership, central and international areas of the business, to buy bikes via a salary sacrifice arrangement.

Employees that choose bikes, costing between £250 and £1,000, from provider Evan Cycles can make substantial savings on tax and national insurance. For example a basic rate taxpayer can shave 31% off the cost of a bike, while a higher rate taxpayer can reduce the price by around 41%.

Grass Roots set up the scheme, which allows staff to apply online via a bespoke website. Information on the scheme was posted on the intranet and sent to staff via email. Posters on the scheme were also put up in the workplace.

Julia Clay, group reward manager at Bupa, said: “We are doing this primarily because of the nature of our company. We thought a bike to work scheme fitted very well with our profile and would encourage people to be fit and reduce their carbon footprint.”