The
BBC and John Lewis have signed separate deals with Alphabet (GB) Limited, to
provide their employees with a low-cost, hassle-free way to buy a new car.
The
employee car ownership agreements will give BBC and John Lewis staff use of a
brand new car for a single monthly payment, which covers all routine servicing
and replacements, insurance, AA breakdown cover and road tax. An advice centre
also gives support to staff on post-delivery maintenance for cars, which will
be supplied and serviced through local dealers.
Peugeot,
BMW and Vauxhall are examples of the cars available under the scheme.
Alphabet,
a supplier of employee car ownership plans, claims the company-backed schemes
have many advantages over a normal bank loan or dealer-arranged finance. No
deposit is needed and customers are given the opportunity to either keep the
car at the end of the two-year agreement if the final settlement figure and
administrative fees are paid, or sell the car back to Alphabet at the final
settlement figure.
Stephen
Dando, director of HR and internal communications at the BBC, said the
initiative reflected the organisation’s commitment to valuing its people.
"We
wanted to be able to offer all staff a benefit which is normally limited to
those with company cars," he said.
By
Yvonne Gleeson
