Sir Robert McAlpine has reported a strong initial response from employees following the launch of its updated car salary sacrifice scheme. The benefit has been launched to improve affordability of vehicles for employees and support the company’s sustainability ambitions.
Within just 48 hours of the Tusker scheme going live (24 March), a quarter of its 1,300+ eligible employees had logged on to explore the benefit, reflecting what the business describes as “pent-up demand” among its workforce, with cars being ordered within the first few days of launch.
The construction company introduced the updated scheme to ensure electric vehicles (EVs) are more accessible to a broader range of employees, particularly at a time when cost-of-living pressures are high.
“We wanted to ensure electric vehicles are available to more employees,” Antony Childs, Head of People Operations & Development, Sir Robert McAlpine, explained.
“For many people, the cost of an EV outright is still too high. Salary sacrifice schemes change that, making it a realistic option for many more employees. Tusker’s Pre-loved vehicle programme also has a big impact, ensuring more affordability for more employees.”
Tusker’s salary sacrifice scheme also aligns with Sir Robert McAlpine’s wider environmental goals. Having committed to reducing their carbon emissions, with a target of Net Zero by 2045, this scheme is supporting their employees to transition to lower-emission vehicles, reducing the business carbon footprint.
“There’s a clear link between affordability and sustainability,” Childs added.
“If we want more people to switch to lower emission vehicles, we have to make it financially viable, especially when the cost of living is an issue for so many.”
While car salary sacrifice schemes are becoming increasingly common, Childs believes they are quickly moving from a “nice to have” to an expected part of a competitive benefits package.
Early indicators suggest Tusker’s scheme at Sir Robert McAlpine is broadening access to employees, whether they are monthly or lunar paid. The Tusker benefit is accessed by Single Sign On via the Reward Gateway platform, making the employee experience simple and secure.
To launch the scheme, a multi-channel communication approach was taken, combining digital and on-site activity. A key part of the strategy was identifying and engaging internal champions early.
Childs added:
“It really helps to know where the employee champion ‘grapevine’ starts from. Influential voices help seed awareness and build momentum which helps interest in the scheme spread organically”.
Cheryl Clements, Head of Business Development at Tusker, said:
“Alongside the environmental and financial benefits, the company’s new scheme forms part of a wider focus on employee wellbeing. Sir Robert McAlpine has positioned the benefit as a practical way to help employees manage everyday costs while accessing a new vehicle. With strong early engagement and positive employee feedback, the scheme is already proving its value as both a sustainability lever and a meaningful support for employees navigating rising costs”.
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Tusker is the UK’s leader in salary sacrifice cars. Part of Lloyds Banking Group, it has more than 16 years’ experience in offering an affordable way for employees to drive a new, fully insured, and maintained car. Its scheme, which is available to over 2.3 million UK employees, offers a range of options, from pure electric cars to hybrids and even traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. It provides a tailored scheme for organisations’ individual needs.
