Salary sacrifice is a growing trend in Europe, as companies seek to incentivize their employees while also saving on tax. From pension contributions to childcare vouchers, this arrangement offers employees a range of benefits in exchange for a reduction in their pre-tax salary. In this article, we will explore the concept in more detail and provide examples of European companies using it to their advantage.

What is a salary sacrifice?

It is a term used to describe an arrangement where an employee agrees to give up part of their salary or wages in exchange for certain benefits. These benefits could include things like extra pension contributions, childcare vouchers, or cycle-to-work schemes. Salary sacrifice is becoming increasingly popular in Europe. Many companies are using it as a way to incentivize employees and save on taxes.

Salary sacrifices are voluntary. If an employee wants to opt-in or out of a salary sacrifice arrangement, their contract should be changed. Contracts must be clear on what the cash and non-cash entitlements are at any given time.

The basic principle behind salary sacrifice is relatively simple. An employee agrees to take a reduction in their pre-tax salary or wages, which is then paid directly into the relevant benefit scheme. This means that the employee gets a benefit that they might not otherwise have been able to afford, and the employer saves on the cost of providing that benefit. Additionally, since the employee’s salary is reduced, they pay less income tax and National Insurance (or their equivalent in other European countries) on that part of their earnings.

Most common uses

There are many different types of salary sacrifice arrangements that companies can offer. For example, some companies might offer a pension contribution scheme, where the employee can opt to have a percentage of their salary paid directly into their pension fund. Others might offer a cycle-to-work scheme, where the employee can buy a bicycle through their employer and pay for it in instalments through their salary.

One of the most common uses of salary sacrifice in Europe is for childcare vouchers. This scheme allows employees to sacrifice a portion of their salary in exchange for vouchers. These can be used to pay registered childcare providers. Working parents can save money on their childcare costs, as the vouchers are paid for out of their pre-tax salary.

Another of its popular uses is that in Europe is for company cars. Some companies offer their employees the option of sacrificing a portion of their salary in exchange for a company car. This can be a great way for employees to get a new car at a discounted rate, while also saving on their tax bill.

What kind of companies usually offer it?

This practice is well-spread all over the UK. 1 out of 2 salary sacrifices all over the world, happen there.

It usually is found in big companies with more than 2,000 employees.

Popular cases of salary sacrifice in Europe

There are many examples of European companies using this arrangement to offer their employees extra benefits. For instance, Deutsche Bank offers a cycle-to-work scheme. Employees can purchase a bike through the company and pay for it over 12 months through salary sacrifice. 

Similarly, the BBC offers a childcare voucher scheme. Workers can save up to £243 per month on their childcare costs by sacrificing part of their salary.

In summary, salary sacrifice provides a win-win situation for European companies and their employees. It allows companies to offer attractive benefits while reducing their tax burden and empowers employees to access perks such as extra pension contributions and childcare vouchers. With various types of salary sacrifice arrangements available, companies can tailor their offerings to suit their workforce. Overall, salary sacrifice remains a popular and effective tool for boosting employee satisfaction and retention.

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