NHS staff encouraged to use pedal power to get to work

A local NHS Trust has joined a new tax free bicycle scheme to encourage its 2300 staff to cycle to work as a more sustainable way to get around.

The South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is fully committed to being a socially responsible organisation, introducing measures that reduce or offset its environmental impact. This includes encouraging members of staff to cycle to work.

The Trust has joined a cost-free cycle to work initiative which is run by Bikes for the NHS. The scheme allows staff to take advantage of a tax free bicycle at the same time as reducing their own carbon footprint. This not only links in with the Trust’s ambition to become more sustainable, but it also links with the wellbeing at work agenda – helping staff to become more physically active.

The bicycles are funded through a lease that is set up for staff. With the lease option, there is no cost to the Trust and payments are made through monthly payroll deductions. In all cases, ownership transfers to the employee at the end of the scheme.

Depending on a staff member’s tax bracket, the bike scheme can lead to a saving of up to 40% on Income Tax and up to 11% on National Insurance. As well as the financial benefits the scheme aids a healthier lifestyle.

The Trust’s deputy chief executive Alex Farrell said, "The cycle to work scheme is a simple, cost-free initiative but it has the potential to reduce the Trust’s environmental impact significantly as well as having financial and health benefits for staff members who decide to take part. We have some secure cycle sheds dotted about our sites for our staff to use, and we already have a number of staff who ride to work all year round. We are asking all staff to consider how they make journeys and consider whether joining the cycle to work scheme would be possible."

You can find out more about the scheme online at www.bikesforthenhs.co.uk