There are some mandatory benefits for the employees of the UK in place. These include various options like maternity pay, holiday pay, a retirement bonus, etc. It is to ensure that the employees are happy and their quality of life is not affected at any point in time. These benefits ensure that the employees are content in their field of work.
Pension
It has been mandated in the UK and is legislated. The employers are to enroll the employees in the pension plans. The least contribution is at 8%, out of which the employer is liable to 3%.
Healthcare
Healthcare benefits are important for any individual. Hence, the National Health Service has begun a healthcare plan that is funded by the government. One does not even have to pay the full costs. It includes consulting a doctor for a diagnosis or treatment, staying in a hospital, and getting emergency services in any sudden event. In fact, it even covers the transportation charges.
But it is important to note that this is a publicly funded initiative, which is a collective of all the tax paid by the citizens. Employers are not taking a step ahead and joining hands with private healthcare providers to provide the best service to their employees.
Pay for holiday
The average workweek in the UK is 5 days. But on top of that, there is a mandatory 28 day paid leave that can be availed by the employees. But this leave format can include the public holidays as well. There are also some arrangements where an employee can avail extra holidays
Maternity/Paternity Pay
This is common all over the world, but more common here. Citizens get maternity leave, along with paid salaries, so that they can tend to the new development in their lives conveniently. Even new fathers are given holidays to make the most out of this special time.
Sick leave and pay
The employers are to provide sick pay to the individuals to take leaves for a health problem. If there is a voluntary leave involved, they can a full payment for that duration, but sometimes, there are some cuts made.
Income protection
If there happens to be an unfortunate disability in sometimes health, the employer is required to pay up. That is where the income protection plans help. Also, the benefits are borne by the employer. On top of that, this is not a tax-efficient option. The benefiter is sure to be taxed on the premiums.
Conclusion
Apart from these are other perks like workplace canteens where food is provided at subsidized rates, gyms for mental and physical wellness, childcare services, and availability of company cars. Also, the employees are taken care of post-retirement. Even their dental appointments are covered by the company. All this help ensure that the employee is well taken care of, for the time and the effort to provide to the organization,