The Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM) has introduced an affinity private medical insurance package to employer members, having used its buying power to negotiate on behalf of small- and medium-sized organisations.
The Confederation of British Metalforming Private Healthcare Scheme is provided by the intermediary Private Health Partnership and FirstAssist Insurance Services. The CBM claims the scheme is up to 20% cheaper than comparable FirstAssist schemes.
An employee assistance programme is also being provided as an optional extra.
The benefits are available to all CBM members, which operate across 220 metal forming sites in the UK and employ 20,000 employees.
John Houseman, director-general of the confederation, said the trade body aimed to introduce new affinity benefits regularly.
The organisation is also planning an energy buying consortium.
It has also introduced a free employment law helpline to allow workers access to legal advice.