United Kingdom: law firm Stephenson Harwood launches electric car scheme for staff

In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from next year, as encouraged by the draft resolution from the COP26 climate change summit, UK-headquartered law firm Stephenson Harwood has announced that it will offer an electric car leasing scheme to 550 employees in London. The law firm, which employs 1,100 people across the globe, says the “benefit” announced at the start of November will be offered via a “salary sacrifice” model, whereby staff can opt to reduce their salary in exchange for a non-cash benefit, which is not subject to income tax or national insurance contributions. Stephenson Harwood plans to extend the scheme to its 115 London partners in future. Axel Koelsch, chief operating officer at Stephenson Harwood, says: “We were looking for a way for everyone to be able to participate and do something tangible. Offering our people an accessible and affordable option for leasing an electric car felt like a great benefit to provide.” Staff eligible for the scheme will be able to choose from various models of electric car. Insurance, road tax, replacement tyres as well as servicing and breakdown cover will be included in the offering. The employees will pay a fixed monthly sum for the scheme. The monthly fee is yet to be revealed but, according to the firm, represents a better deal than the private lease agreements available on the market.