Almost two-thirds of non-company car drivers think their employer should offer them a car, according to a survey from lease firm Lex Autolease .
The poll reveals that seven out of 10 drivers still think company cars are a status symbol, while 63% said that such benefits should be open to all. And 78% of drivers thought their firm would be concerned if they drove an ‘old banger’ for business use.
Andrew Hogsden, head of Financial Consultancy at Lex Autolease said: “Employees are not demanding that company car schemes should become a free for all – that would be unrealistic – but we know from our research that they are prepared to sacrifice a portion of their salary in exchange for companies using their buying power to negotiate better lease rates on their behalf.”
Just under four-fifths of respondents said they would take up a salary sacrifice vehicle if they had to replace a privately owned car while a similar number would be enticed if the tax savings were up to £50 better than private leasing.
Hogsden said: “As long as the staff turnover rate is acceptable and employees are not left with a salary which is below the National Minimum Wage, there is little to be afraid of. Our customers see it as a way to make business savings, while providing employees with greater access to benefits. This can be a powerful tool for retention and recruitment.”
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