Merrill Lynch has launched a flexible benefits scheme to meet the needs of its diverse workforce.

The investment bank has several different demographics on its payroll, from top executives to admin staff and new graduates, and believes the new online scheme offers choice.

Spokesman Nigel Webb said the plan would give staff control: "With the new scheme you have a lot more flexibility and can tailor your remuneration package to suit your own purposes."

He gave the example of newly qualified graduates. "Someone who's just finished university and has huge loans to pay off can elect for a proportion of pension benefits to be put back into their salary."

He added that if somebody is already covered by their spouse's healthcare plan, they can save money by opting for another benefit. The package includes private medical insurance and childcare vouchers.