Business software supplier Sage UK is piloting an occupational health scheme to help staff with musculoskeletal problems and has used its switch in childcare voucher providers to communicate the tax changes due to come into effect on 6 April.

The health scheme, to be launched in the spring and provided by Axa PPP Healthcare, will help identify the severity of an employee’s condition and decide on the best treatment. If necessary, staff will be referred to a specialist. Occupational health advisers will provide feedback and managers will receive guidance to help staff.

Leisa Docherty, head of people services and reward, said: “We want to be able to intervene quickly with people and get them some support because once somebody goes off work for a month or three months, it is incredibly difficult for them to get back to work.”

Sage switched to Kiddivouchers to provide childcare vouchers after three years with its previous provider. This will save it 2.5% on administration and a percentage of voucher costs.

While communicating the switch to its 2,300 staff, Sage also informed them about the upcoming tax changes (see page 6). Reward administrator Paul Worsdale said: “For any staff who are thinking about joining the scheme, it will be worth joining before April.”

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