A local authority has gained national recognition with its programme of benefits for employees. Works Perks, run by Nottingham City Council, was described as ‘innovative and clever’ by judges of the Employee Benefits Awards, which are designed to reward best practice amongst employers in this field.

The council won the ‘Most efficient application of tax efficient benefits’ award, beating off stiff competition. Its scheme includes green travel2work, which gives staff the option to pay for an annual bus pass through 12 monthly reductions from their salary so that they save on tax and national insurance payments. Employees can also order childcare vouchers and save money when buying bicycles. Almost one in four City Council staff have opted to take up at least one of the Work Perks offers. This has coincided with a six per cent fall in employee turnover.

As well as taking that award the City Council was also named runner-up in the categories for the ’Most effective use of reward’ and ‘Most successful new benefits launch’ in recognition of its green travel to work scheme.

Councillor Eunice Campbell, the city’s Executive Member for Human Resources, Customer Services and Consultation said the authority was proud to have won recognition on a national level. “Works Perks is extremely popular and shows our commitment to providing innovative initiatives which are valued by our employees,” she said. “To get short listed for three awards and go on to win one is a fantastic result and demonstrates that Nottingham City Council is regarded as a leader in employee benefits provision,” Councillor Campbell added.