To add to our existing Employee Benefits Scheme that gives you exclusive access to a range of offers, I’m pleased to announce two new additional schemes, launching on 1st September 2022.
These new initiatives aim to support both your financial and mental wellbeing. As part of our employee wellbeing programme, we want to make sure you have access to the tools that can really make a difference whether that is saving for the future or getting the help you need now to manage rising costs.
Salary finance
We all worry about money at some point in our lives and the cost of living crisis is a challenge for many people just now.
Salary Finance, offers loans and savings, deducted directly from your salary along with free financial information.
The benefits include:
- Loans repaid through salary: an alternative to credit cards and overdrafts, which could be used to cover an unexpected expense or to help you achieve your long-term financial goals
- Savings: Save with contributions made direct from your salary, helping you to save without the hassle.
- Money insights: Tools and tips to help you manage money better
Find out more about Salary Finance. We’ll share more information next week.
Additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) for your pension
*This scheme is available for Strathclyde Pension Fund members.*
If you are looking to retire early, with more money or simply want to top up your pension fund, a new scheme is available from 1st September.
We are working with AVC Wise to introduce a new Salary Shared Cost AVC scheme. Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) are a tax efficient way to save for retirement. They provide an opportunity to supplement your Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and build up an additional retirement fund. You could take this as a tax-free lump sum, or use it to retire early.
If you already pay AVCs this new scheme enables you to save National Insurance Contributions in addition to tax, meaning you will increase your take home pay compared to paying AVCs in the standard way.
A £100 contribution will only cost a basic rate taxpayer £65.88.
If you currently pay AVCs, you will receive an invitation to join the new scheme. There is no obligation to do so. There will also be opportunities to attend presentations to find out more about the benefits.
There is no change to your current AVC provider. Prudential will continue to manage and administer your current AVC pot. The new scheme is simply a top up facility.
For more information visit www.AVCWise.co.uk.
If you have any questions about the new schemes, you can find introductory information on MyCouncilWorks. We will add more information including FAQs next week. You can also call our HR advice line on 01546 605513.
Jane Fowler
Head of Customer Support Services
