To join this scheme, a colleague must:
- have an employment contract that will last longer than their chosen lease
- have passed their probationary period, if their employment is subject to one
If these two conditions are met, the main restriction on an employee's participation is the university's statutory obligation to pay all workers the national minimum wage. This scheme involves a pay reduction, which must be counted towards the calculation of the national minimum wage. The university cannot reduce pay below minimum wage in exchange for another benefit (in this case a car) by law, even if it is the wish of the employee. As a guideline, a colleague must be earning approx. £30,000 p.a. to access the scheme as the lowest typical monthly payment is £450 (2024). Note also that this minimum wage calculation is based on the individual's total salary sacrifices. So nursery fees, Cycle-to-Work scheme payments, and other salary reductions will affect colleagues' participation in the scheme.