MORE CHOICES 2017-18 MORE FOR YOU
MORE CHOICES As a United Utilities employee, not only do you get a fantastic core package of pay and benefits......you also have access to a range of additional deals, discounts and flexible benefits. All our rewards and benefits are designed to make your life easier during your time with United Utilities. This booklet shows you the extra deals, discounts and flexible benefits that you can add on top of your core package, so you can tailor it to suit your lifestyle. unitedutilities.com/morechoices MORE FOR YOU For more information on any aspect of the rewards and benefits available to you at United Utilities, visit Ask HR. 2 3
MORE is MORE contents Tailoring your package to your lifestyle Flexible benefits can be added to your package and there are a number to choose from. We ve grouped them into four areas to make it easier to identify the ones that are right for you. MORE REWARD improving your finances now and in the future MORE SUPPORT MORE WELLBEING MORE COMMUNITY supporting you through your life and career helping you keep happy and healthy giving back to charities and our community Deals and discounts are available to all United Utilities employees all year round and you can use them as much or as little as you want. An overview of the range of discounts and ways to shop is at the back of this booklet. The selection of offers and brands change all the time so keep checking unitedutilities.com/morechoices for the very latest deals and discounts. The enrolment window for you to sign-up for your flexible benefits is: 1 to 28 February 2017. Don t miss out! Remember, if you ve selected flexible benefits in previous years they will automatically continue as they are, EXCEPT buying or selling holidays, and the Cycle to Work scheme. Keep an eye out for the following two icons throughout this booklet: 1-28 FEB This icon means that the benefit is only available during the sign-up window shown. This icon means that you can access the benefit at any time, all year round. 4 5
Want to log in? Here s how 1 2 3 4 Username: If you ve logged in before, just use your current username. If it s your first time, it s UU followed by employee number without the letter prefix e.g. UU123456 Password: If you ve logged in before, just use your current password. If it s your first time, use your date of birth Go to unitedutilities.com/morechoices or to Ask HR benefits on the One Enter your username and password Check out the deals, discounts and benefits on offer Add to your favourites and keep checking back for the latest offers Don t forget to click the Checkout button! (ddmmyyyy) followed by the last three digits of your National Insurance number e.g. 0102198098A. Once you ve logged in, you ll automatically be prompted to enter a new password. If you have any problems logging in just call the helpline on 08000 196 666. If you re selecting any flexible benefits you MUST click the Checkout button to move on and accept the T&Cs in order to finish the selection process. Once you ve done it you will ALWAYS get an email confirming your selections, so if you haven t had an email then you haven t finished the selection process! Make sure you view the How to guide on Ask HR if you re not sure of anything. we are mobile! You can check out MORE Choices deals and discounts from your mobile devices, meaning you can get the latest offers, anywhere, anytime. Instant savings Access instant discounts on your shopping or restaurant bill while you re out and about using egift cards and text vouchers. Top-up on the move Top-up your reloadable discount shopping cards or order additional cards from the widest choice of retailers including Sainsbury s, M&S and Caffè Nero. Discounted vouchers Purchase store vouchers and cards at a discounted rate for lots of high street stores and supermarkets. Find offers near you Use the local search feature to find the best offers whilst you re out shopping, and never miss out on a great deal again! 6 7
MORE FLEXIBLE Paying for products and services direct from your salary is easy, and could mean you end up with more take home pay each month. Choosing certain flexible benefits can reduce the amount of tax and/or National Insurance (NI) you pay, leaving you with more. Got questions about flexible benefits, how they work and your options? We have all you need to know on Ask HR, call our helpline on 0800 019 6666 or email helpdesk@edenred.co.uk 8 9
MORE REWARD On top of your excellent core package of pay, pension and bonus, you have the flexibility to opt in to a number of schemes to improve your finances now and in the future. 10 11
PensionSaver Helping you save for your future. Make the most of your pension contributions and save more with PensionSaver. 1-28 FEB ShareBuy You can buy shares in your company and become a part-owner of United Utilities, receive dividends and get the right to vote in shareholder meetings. HOW DOES IT WORK? We pay your employee pension contributions into the pension scheme on your behalf and your gross salary is reduced by the same amount. WHAT S IN IT FOR ME? Peace of mind that you re saving for the future, along with reduced NI payments each month. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? We automatically enrol you into PensionSaver when you join the pension scheme, so you re probably already saving you can check this by looking at your payslip. If you re not currently a member of a pension scheme but would like to know more, go to unitedutilities.com/pensions HOW DOES IT WORK? You buy partnership shares out of your salary (subject to an annual maximum determined by HMRC), and for every five shares that you buy, the company gives you an additional matching share for free. WHAT S IN IT FOR ME? Since you buy the shares out of your gross salary, they effectively cost less than they would from a stockbroker. Plus you get the added bonus of dividends. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? Dividends are normally paid twice a year, in February and August. You can choose to take them in cash, or reinvest them in dividend shares. Partnership and matching shares must remain in the plan for five years and dividend shares for three years. If you take your shares out early, you will have to pay tax. Whilst you re a United Utilities employee, if you sell any partnership shares with corresponding matching shares that have been held for less than three years, these matching shares will be lost. If you leave the company all of your shares come out of the plan. Any matching shares that have been held in your plan for less than one year since the partnership shares were bought for you will be lost, unless you leave for reasons such as redundancy, disability, or ill-health, in which case you keep all of the shares in your plan. Got questions about PensionSaver, how it works, how to join and what it means for you? We have all you need to know on Ask HR. Got questions about ShareBuy, how it works, how to sign-up and what it means for you? We have all you need to know on Ask HR. 12 13
MORE SUPPORT We re here to support you through your career with United Utilities from your induction, through learning and development opportunities, to maternity and paternity support, and all the way through to pre-retirement workshops. 14 15
Childcare vouchers Save on your childcare costs. If you have children attending a registered child-minder, nursery, play scheme or out-of-hours club, childcare vouchers are an easy way for you to save on the cost of your childcare. You decide the value of vouchers that you d like each month, depending on your tax rate. Basic rate tax payers can receive up to 243 of childcare vouchers a month Higher rate tax payers can receive up to 124 of childcare vouchers a month Additional rate tax payers can receive up to 110 of childcare vouchers a month 243 124 110 WHAT S IN IT FOR ME? Take the cost of your childcare from your gross salary and your monthly tax and NI payments fall, giving you more disposable income each month. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? When you first apply, we ll determine the maximum value of vouchers you re able to receive in that tax year. If your pay changes during the course of the year the amount of childcare vouchers you can receive for that tax year will not change, but the amount you will be allowed to receive from the start of the following tax year may be affected. Our childcare voucher scheme is available all year, to all permanent and temporary employees. To receive childcare vouchers you must be the parent of, or have parental responsibility for the child Vouchers can be used for children aged up to 15 years, or up to 16 years for children with a disability You can choose whether to have electronic vouchers credited to an online account, or paper vouchers which can be sent to your home address. There are terms and conditions, so make sure you check on Ask HR and unitedutilities.com/morechoices If you receive Working Tax Credits, it is recommended that you contact the Working Tax Credit helpline on 03453003900 before applying, to check whether your entitlements could be affected. The Government has announced that a new scheme, called Tax-Free Childcare, will be launched in early 2017 and that the existing voucher scheme will be closed to new entrants in 2018. We will provide further information during the next year to help you decide which scheme is best for you. To apply, or change your current selection visit unitedutilities.com/morechoices or check out Ask HR Got questions about childcare vouchers, how they work, if you can apply and what it means for you? We have all you need to know on Ask HR. 16 17
Vehicle breakdown cover Save up to 30% off breakdown cover with discounted AA membership. 1-28 FEB All prices listed below are for a year s worth of cover. If you choose this benefit a one-off salary reduction equal to the relevant price shown would be taken from your April 2017 salary. Options Roadside This basic level of cover provides roadside assistance throughout the UK, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year so long as you are over ¼ mile from your home. The AA s number one aim is to fix your car, but if it can t be fixed it will be taken to the nearest suitable garage. Product Your price (per year) Saving vs standard AA price Single 56.33 18.78 Joint 85.71 28.57 Family 127.18 54.51 HOW DOES IT WORK? You decide what type and level of cover you want via unitedutilities.com/ morechoices WHAT S IN IT FOR ME? Not only do you receive a fantastic discount, you get the benefit by agreeing to reduce your gross salary, so you pay less NI, giving you more disposable income each month. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? You can choose from three membership options: Single covers you as the driver or passenger in any eligible vehicle Joint covers two people living at the same address, as a driver or passenger, in any eligible vehicle Family covers up to four people living at the same address, as a driver or passenger in any eligible vehicle. You can switch to this AA deal, even if you already have breakdown cover with the AA, or another organisation. You can also sign-up during the window but arrange for this benefit to start later in the year once your existing cover runs out. The enrolment window for you to sign-up for your flexible benefits is 1 to 28 February 2017. Don t miss out! Got questions about our vehicle breakdown cover, how it works, how to sign-up and what it means for you? We have all you need to know on Ask HR. Roadside & Relay The above cover plus: Recovery to a single destination of your choice within the UK if the AA is unable to fix your car at the roadside or arrange a prompt local repair. You can choose to be taken home, to your destination or anywhere else on the UK mainland, regardless of how far this may be. Roadside, Relay & Home Start The above cover plus: 1 in 4 breakdowns happen at or near home and Home Start gives you assistance in these situations. You ll get all the benefits of Roadside assistance at your home address. Roadside, Relay, Home Start & Stay Mobile The above cover plus: If you break down and the AA can t arrange a prompt local repair, Stay Mobile offers you other travel options. Choose from public transport costs, overnight accommodation or a replacement car for up to 72 consecutive hours. Selected suppliers offer a hire-car delivery and collection service, or equivalent, subject to availability and the supplier s terms and conditions (including payment of the supplier s fuel charges). Single 109.30 36.43 Joint 130.33 55.86 Family 179.78 77.05 Single 149.22 63.95 Joint 181.87 77.95 Family 235.89 101.09 Single 186.97 80.13 Joint 220.09 94.32 Family 274.99 117.85 18 19
MORE WELLBEING We want to do what we can to help you feel happy and healthy, so we have a huge number of benefits that can support your physical and mental wellbeing. 20 21
Employee Healthcare Scheme 1-28 FEB HOW DOES IT WORK? This scheme refunds you for everyday medical expenses such as optical and dental costs. You re also covered if the unexpected happens with help towards consultation and scans and getting you back on your feet with surgery and therapy. And these are just your core benefits paid for by UU. With cover for everyday costs or support to get a quicker diagnosis, we ll help you get back on your feet with the Employee Healthcare Scheme. Your core benefits are paid for by UU and you get a great deal on top-ups if you want to add extra cover for you or your family. If you d like some extra cover for you or your family, choose from the top-ups available and sign up on unitedutilities.com/morechoices WHAT S IN IT FOR ME? Your core benefits give you a great range of healthcare cover and it s paid for by UU, so you just pay the tax due on the value of the benefit If you want to pay a little extra for some additional benefits, choose from our top-ups you can select as many as you d like and even cover your family. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? The scheme is available to band 5 and 6 employees, apprentices and graduates You re automatically opted-in to the core benefits so if you decide you don t want to be covered you ll need to let us know by opting out on unitedutilities.com/ morechoices If you previously opted-out and have now changed your mind, you can opt-in again during the sign-up window You can add to your cover by paying a monthly amount for Everyday +, Medical + or both Family + means you can also add your partner (and children), or just children. You ll need to select the relevant core benefits and you can add Everyday + and Medical + for some extra peace of mind Take a look at the summary of cover in this booklet and you can find full details of the scheme on Ask HR Got questions about our Employee Healthcare Scheme, how it works, how to sign-up and what it means for you? We have all you need to know on Ask HR. 22 23
YOUR CORE BENEFITS PAID FOR BY UU Benefit Description Annual cover Helping you every day Optical Dental Eye tests and glasses, contact lenses and prescription sunglasses, laser eye surgery 100 Routine everyday dental treatment including check-ups, scale and polish, x-rays, fillings an hygienist treatment 100 YOUR HEALTHCARE TOP-UPS PAID FOR BY YOU THESE ARE TAKEN FROM YOUR NET SALARY EVERYDAY + for an additional premium of 7.84 per month Benefit Description Annual cover Helping you every day Optical Cash allowance in addition to the 100 core benefit + 200 Dental trauma Restorative dental treatment needed as a result of an injury to the teeth or jaw 200 A faster diagnosis and getting back on your feet A specialist consultation or second opinion, pre and postoperative tests, diagnostic tests, vaccinations, Consultation prescription charges and flu jabs carried out by your GP or pharmacist Cash benefit towards the cost of private surgical treatments or for surgical NHS in/day patient stays. See the table below for more details about Surgical cash Surgical Cash cover. Please note pre and post-operative tests are not included within these limits, they are deducted from the consultation benefit Scans Therapy Full refund for MRI, CT, Thallium, Perfusion and PET scans following specialist referral Treatment from a registered physiotherapist, osteopath, chiropractor, homeopath, psychologist/ psychotherapist, acupuncturist, chiropodist or podiatrist 250 5 procedures per year unlimited 250 Dental Cash allowance in addition to the 100 core benefit + 200 Dental trauma Cash allowance in addition to the 200 core benefit + 800 MEDICAL + for an additional premium of 2.43 per month Benefit Description Annual cover A faster diagnosis and getting back on your feet Consultation Cash allowance in addition to the 250 core benefit + 250 A little extra help Personal health assessments Online health risk assessments plus access to additional health information Unlimited online access Therapy Cash allowance in addition to the 250 core benefit + 250 Baby A single cash payment on the birth or adoption of each new child 100 Out-patient A cash payment for each day a member is in an NHS hospital as an out-patient (maximum of 20 visits) 50 FAMILY + monthly premiums A&E Attend an A&E department and get a cash payment per visit to help with the unexpected costs (maximum of 4 visits) 40 Core benefits Everyday + Medical + Everyday + and Medical + Employee Paid for by UU 7.84 2.43 10.27 Partner only 35.53 43.37 37.96 45.80 24 Surgical Cash more details about your cover Private treatment Minor Up to 1,500 Intermediate Up to 2,500 Major Up to 4,000 Major + Up to 7,000 Complex Up to 12,000 NHS treatment 200 per day/ night up to the equivalent private benefit Surgical cash excludes treatment for cancer Partner + Children* 35.53 43.37 37.96 45.80 Children* 17.77 21.69 18.99 22.91 *Surgical cash excludes pre-existing conditions for family members. Up to five children can be added. All children share one pot of full benefit between them. Please note: some private hospitals will not perform surgical procedures on children. Cancer related conditions are also excluded. 25
Manager Healthcare Scheme 1-28 FEB Your core benefits are paid for by UU and you can even add your partner and children at a competitive price. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? The scheme is available to band four employees and above Cover includes treatment for existing health conditions Long term management or maintenance of incurable conditions is excluded If you decide you don t want to be covered you ll need to let us know by opting out on unitedutilities.com/morechoices If you previously opted-out and have now changed your mind, you can opt-in again during the sign-up window You can add your family by paying a monthly amount each month Children can be covered under the scheme up to the age of 21, or up to the age of 25 if they are in full time education. If they turn 21 (or 25 if eligible) during the scheme year, they remain on cover until the next renewal Take a look at the scheme guide for full details of the benefits available including any exclusions that may apply on Ask HR. HOW DOES IT WORK? The benefits include cover for private consultations, scans, therapies, in-patient and out-patient treatment and cancer care. If you d like to add your partner and/or children, choose from the options available and sign up on unitedutilities.com/morechoices WHAT S IN IT FOR ME? Your core benefits give you a great range of healthcare cover and it s paid for by UU, so you just pay the tax due on the value of the benefit Level of cover Employee only Core benefits (monthly premiums) Paid for by UU Partner only 90.48 Partner and children 124.95 Children only 34.47 If you want to pay a little extra each month you can cover your partner and/or children. Got questions about our Manager Healthcare Scheme, how it works, how to sign-up and what it means for you? We have all you need to know on Ask HR. 26 27
NEW IN 2017 GymFlex Helping you stay fit but keeping the finances flexible... WHAT S IN IT FOR ME? Ensuring you have a good work-life balance and stay healthy and happy is important to us. 1-28 FEB WHAT IF I'M ALREADY A MEMBER OF A GYM? Some gyms will be able to transfer an existing private membership over to the GymFlex scheme with no penalty. Gyms offering this are indicated on the GymFlex site by a 'switch' icon. HOW DO I APPLY? The process is easy! Log in to the MORE Choices site during the election window and follow the link to the GymFlex site where you can browse the selection of gyms available to find one that suits you. NEW IN 2017 If you enjoy physical fitness, want to get in shape or simply relax after work, GymFlex is a service which enables you to purchase gym memberships at discounted corporate rates from a wide variety of different health clubs, gyms and leisure centres, all across the country. HOW DOES IT WORK? The company will purchase your annual membership on your behalf allowing you to take advantage of the lower paid up-front corporate rate whilst only paying for this yourself out of your net pay each month. There are considerable cost savings to be made both for existing members and new joiners, in some cases up to 40% compared to standard membership prices. Follow the simple sign-up instructions on the GymFlex site, and remember to return to the MORE Choices election site to confirm your selection there too. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? As with all of the MORE Choices benefits, you need to be aware of the terms and conditions. Once you ve signed up to an annual gym membership via GymFlex it can t be cancelled and the 12 monthly deductions from your net pay will carry on whether you keep going to the gym or not! And if you leave the company you ll still be responsible for paying the full amount to UU. You can read all of the details on the MORE Choices site. Any joining or admin fees charged by a club are included in the membership fee quoted to you so there are no hidden costs to worry about. There are important terms and conditions, so make sure you check on Ask HR and unitedutilities.com/morechoices WHAT IF THE GYM I WANT TO JOIN ISN'T LISTED? If there s a gym that you d like join that isn t on their list, you can use the GymFlex site to ask them to contact the gym to see what s possible. Got questions about GymFlex, how it works, how to apply and what it means for you? We have all you need to know on Ask HR. 28 29
Dental insurance Discounted rates to make you smile. Look good, feel good and smile with dental insurance from Unum Dental. 1-28 FEB Monthly cost Level of cover Clear 1 Clear 2 Clear 3 Employee only 9.60 10.43 14.89 Employee and partner 19.20 20.86 29.78 Employee and children 19.20 20.86 29.78 Employee, partner and children 28.80 31.29 44.67 HOW DOES IT WORK? Decide what type and level of cover you want on unitedutilities.com/ morechoices WHAT S IN IT FOR ME? Get excellent dental treatment in exchange for reducing your gross salary, reducing your NI payments and leaving you with more disposable income each month. In 2017, if you start or renew a plan with Unum Dental you will receive a free electric toothbrush! WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? You have a free choice of dentist, whether NHS or private No dental checks are needed before joining Cover includes pre-existing conditions (except oral cancer) There s a simple claims procedure just pay your dentist, send in a completed claim form and receipt, and you ll normally receive your money back within 10 working days. All claims must be submitted within 90 days of completion of treatment You can make any number of claims within the limits and regulations set out in the plan The plans cover for accidents and sports injuries Worldwide cover Cosmetic treatment is not covered Cover options include employee only, spouse/partner and/or children up to the age of 21 (or 23 if in full time education). CLEAR 1 reimburses 100% of NHS dental fees up to an annual maximum of 550 for routine treatment and a maximum of 550 for accident/ sports injuries CLEAR 2 reimburses low-mid range private dental fees with annual maximums of 950 CLEAR 3 reimburses more expensive private dental charges with annual maximums of 1,250 550 950 1,250 Got questions about our dental insurance, how it works, how to sign-up and what it means for you? We have all you need to know on Ask HR. 30 31
Healthcare cash plans Get cash back on your everyday healthcare costs with Medicash, plus add your children for free! WHAT S IN IT FOR ME? Not only do you get top notch health care, the monthly reductions from your gross salary reduce your NI payments, leaving you with more disposable income each month. HOW DOES IT WORK? You ll be covered for a wide range of healthcare benefits including optical and dental care, hospital stays, physiotherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic care, alternative therapies, discounted gym membership, birth of a child, plus other Standard plan (per month) 1-28 FEB treatments and benefits. Exactly how much you can claim back will depend on the level of cover you choose. You can include your spouse or partner too under a Dual Plan, and whether you choose a Standard or Dual plan, dependent children up to the age of 19 (in full-time education) are covered free of charge. Dual plan (per month) Level 1 5.20 10.40 Level 2 13.00 26.00 Level 3 23.20 46.40 Level 4 34.70 69.35 Buy or sell holidays A flexible approach to your annual leave. HOW DOES IT WORK? You can buy or sell up to five extra days, as long as your holiday entitlement does not go above the stated maximum allowance (35 days including carry over). For part-time workers these are pro-rated accordingly. Each day of holiday you opt to change is priced at 1/260th of your pre-sacrificed salary (based on the 260 working days each year). WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? The buying/selling of holidays is subject to management approval, and holidays must always be taken with the agreement of your manager. You cannot buy holidays if doing so will mean you have more than 35 days holiday in any holiday year, including carry-over leave. If for whatever reason it transpires that you incorrectly seek to 'buy' additional holidays and it is later identified that you have exceeded the limit once your carry-over leave has been applied, your request will be declined or may be adjusted at that point. If you buy extra holidays but don t use them during There are terms and conditions, so make sure you check on Ask HR and unitedutilities.com/morechoices 1-28 FEB WHAT S IN IT FOR ME? Get the right balance of holiday for you, with the option to exchange time off for more income or vice-versa. Buying and selling holidays will affect your NI contributions and income tax. the holiday year you won t be able to sell them back or carry over more than the maximum five allowed into the next holiday year. If you previously bought or sold holidays those entitlements do not automatically carry forward. Full and part-time employees can buy and sell holiday. Got questions about our healthcare cash plan, how it works, how to sign-up and what it means for you? We have all you need to know on Ask HR. Got questions about flexible annual leave, how it works, how to apply and what it means for you? We have all you need to know on Ask HR. 32 33
Cycle to Work 1-28 FEB EXAMPLE: I want to buy a bike and equipment worth 1,000 Save money, keep fit and do your bit for the environment. You re able to spread the cost of using a bike and safety equipment over a period of 12 months, and choose a sustainable means of getting to and from work. Not in scheme Annual pay 25,000 In scheme Tax 2,700 2,500 NI 2,020 1,900 24,000 ( 25,000-1,000) Net (take home) pay 20,280 19,600 Bike and equipment 1,000 0 (bought using voucher) HOW DOES IT WORK? Choose a bike and/or accessories from one of our three suppliers, Cyclescheme, Evans and Halfords, with a great selection available. WHAT S IN IT FOR ME? Not only do you get the bike and/or equipment you need, the monthly reductions from your gross salary reduce your tax and NI payments, leaving you with more disposable income each month. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? The maximum value voucher you can choose is 1,000 but if you want something more expensive than that, you can ask the provider if they re happy for you to pay the difference by some other means. You can also just choose safety equipment if you already have a bike that you use for your commute. Though you will have full use of whatever you buy with the voucher, United Utilities will technically own it for the duration of the scheme. At the end of the hire period, we may give you the choice (at the total discretion of United Utilities) to take ownership of the bike and/or equipment and only pay the tax on this benefit or return the bike and/or safety equipment. P11D tax charge 0 (bought from net pay) 50 (paid over a year) Disposable income 19,280 19,550 Increase in disposable income over the year (your saving) 270 Got questions about Cycle to Work, how it works, how to sign-up and what it means for you? We have all you need to know on Ask HR. 34 35
MORE COMMUNITY United Utilities want to give something back by supporting charities and local communities. Get involved by contributing with our community focused benefits. 36 37
Give As You Earn Give more to your favourite charities. THE ENROLMENT WINDOW 1-28 FOR YOU FEB HOW DOES IT WORK? Give As You Earn is a simple, tax effective way for you to give to charity, with thousands of registered charities to choose from. Just decide how much you would like to donate. WHAT S IN IT FOR ME? The amount you donate is taken direct from your gross salary, so every pound you give will really only cost you 80p (or 60p if you pay the higher rate tax). WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? You can donate to any registered charity either by: Direct donation your payments go straight to your chosen charity Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) your payments are sent to an account and you can decide which charities to give to, and when. You also top up your account whenever you wish. United Utilities pay any administration costs making sure that your full donation goes to your nominated charity. You can join the Give As You Earn scheme any time of the year. TO SIGN-UP FOR YOUR FLEXIBLE BENEFITS IS: 1-28 FEBRUARY 2017 DON T MISS OUT! unitedutilities.com/morechoices Don t forget to click the Checkout button! Got questions about Give As You Earn, how it works, how to donate and what it means for you? We have all you need to know on Ask HR. If you re selecting any flexible benefits you MUST click the Checkout button to move on and accept the T&Cs in order to finish the selection process. Once you ve done it you will ALWAYS get an email confirming your selections, so if you haven t had an email then you haven t finished the selection process! Make sure you view the How to guide on Ask HR if you re not sure of anything. 38 39
Contract of employment and tax implications Any flexible benefits you choose will affect your salary and will form part of your contract of employment, but any pension benefits, bonus, overtime or other salary related allowances or payments you receive won t be affected by the benefit choices you make. F lexible benefits offer you the option to receive different combinations of taxable and non-taxable benefits. They are available to all permanent and temporary employees who expect to be employed by the company for the complete Benefit Year, April to March. Some of the benefits are offered on a salary sacrifice basis, which means you receive the benefit in return for agreeing to reduce your gross salary. To qualify for tax and NI savings on salary sacrifice benefits, your annual salary must be at least 11,500, but if your salary is below this amount you may still wish to choose the benefits to suit your lifestyle. However, by law you are not allowed to choose a salary sacrifice benefit if doing so would takes your pay below the national living wage (or national minimum wage if aged 24 or younger). Income tax is usually deducted on a monthly basis, directly from your salary on a pay-as-you-earn basis. In the case of some benefits (see table opposite) we are required to declare the benefits you received during the tax year on your year-end tax return of expenses and benefits (P11D). This P11D information is then used by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) when reviewing your tax code, in order for any tax due in respect of the flexible benefits chosen to be recovered from your pay in the following tax year. The individual benefits that incur this type of tax charge are indicated in the table opposite by a Yes in the P11D column. Benefit Employee s Tax Employee s NI P11D PensionSaver ShareBuy GymFlex Childcare vouchers Vehicle breakdown cover Employee Healthcare Scheme top-ups & Manager Healthcare Scheme dependant cover Dental insurance Healthcare cash plans Buy or sell holidays Cycle to Work Give As You Earn No tax charge No tax charge for partnership shares up to an annual limit provided they are retained for minimum period see scheme information for full details No tax charge for childcare vouchers up to 243 per month. Employees who are new to the scheme on a higher rate tax code can only receive 124 per month and employees on an additional rate tax code can only receive 110 per month Taxed as a benefit in kind by HMRC * No NI paid on the value of the contribution No NI paid on the value of the contribution Yes paid from net pay Yes paid from net pay No No NI paid on the value of the contribution No NI paid on the value of the contribution Yes paid from net pay Yes paid from net pay No Yes subject to tax on a monthly basis from your pay Yes subject to tax on a monthly basis from your pay If buying additional holidays there s no tax charge If selling holidays any cash received will be subject to tax No tax charge paid on the value of the contribution. Value of the bike at the end of the hire agreement is determined and taxed as a benefit in kind by HMRC * No tax charge No NI paid on the value of the contribution No NI paid on the value of the contribution If buying additional holidays no NI paid on the value of the contribution If selling holidays any cash received will be subject to NI No NI paid on the value of the contribution NI paid on the value of the contribution be collected in a later year if not already included in your current year's tax code number 40 41 No No No Yes No No No Yes, for the residual value of the bike * Any benefit in kind tax applicable to the vehicle breakdown cover and/or Cycle to Work benefits may No
MORE FOR YOU deals and discounts Don t forget unitedutilities.com/morechoices gives you exclusive access to deals and discounts from some of the country s most well-known brands. By partnering up with us, top retailers pass on their very best prices on a huge range of items so you ll never have to pay full price again! To get started, log on to unitedutilities.com/morechoices The next few pages of this booklet talk you through a great range of deals and discounts, and the different ways you can shop. The offers change all the time so check back regularly for the very latest deals and discounts. If you can t find what you re looking for, try calling the helpline on 08000 196 666. 42 43
MORE FOR YOU MORE choices to shop and save You can shop and save in a way that suits you: 1) SHOP ONLINE browse the hundreds of deals and discounts on offer to you and make your purchase straight away. Visit the website at any time or shop on the go via the mobile site. 2) egift CARDS & INSTANT VOUCHERS delivered straight to you via email or text so you can get spending straight away with fantastic discounts and offers available. 3) RELOADABLE GIFT CARDS it s easy for you to save hundreds of pounds on your everyday shopping. In exchange for pre-loading your money onto a re-usable card, retailers boost the value of the card by around 5-10%, helping you stretch your money even further. 4) PAPER VOUCHERS delivered in the post and great for gifts, all at great discount rates. * You can sometimes order unloaded gift cards that you can top up for free, when you want, and at great, discounted rates. Most of the cards are reloadable too just log on to unitedutilities. com/morechoices and go to Your Account Manage Reloadable Cards. You can get started quickly just order the cards you want to save money with this year and we ll post them straight to you. * * 44 *as of January 2017 45
MORE FOR YOU FILMS, MUSIC AND GAMES UPTO GARDEN & GREEN Deals and discounts* BOOKS, MAGS AND LEARNING UPTO TRAVEL UPTO OFF 75% OFF LEISURE TIME & DAYS OUT TOYS, CHILDREN & BABY MONEY MATTERS 20% INCLUDING WILLS, MORTGAGES, LEGAL SERVICES AND FINANCE HOME & MOTORING 15% 10 % OFF 46 47 UPTO 5% OFF CLOTHES, FASHION & BEAUTY OFF 10 % UPTO ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS & PHONES UPTO 20% OFF 21% I WAS OUT SHOPPING AND FOUND SOMETHING I KNEW MY WIFE WOULD LOVE. I LOGGED ON TO THE MORE CHOICES SITE WHILE I WAS QUEUING UP TO PAY, AND BY THE TIME I WAS SERVED I D BEEN EMAILED MY EGIFT CARD WITH 11% DISCOUNT! JUST BRILLIANT! OFF GIFTS, JEWELLERY & FLOWERS UPTO UPTO 20% 40% FOOD & DRINK UPTO OFF SPORT, HEALTH & HOBBIES UPTO 30% OFF OFF UPTO UPTO 10 % OFF OFF MONEY OFF AIRPORT PARKING AND CAR HIRE MEANS MORE MONEY TO SPEND ON ICE CREAMS DURING OUR HOLIDAY! 8% OFF AT B&Q 10 % OFF AT BENSONS FOR BEDS *as of January 2017. Best discount in category shown.