With the great British summer we are having, what better way to get around than by bike? It is sustainable, healthy and economical. Dr Annie Elkins, our ST3 sustainability scholar in 2011/12 would agree.
Did you know GP trainees employed by Gloucester Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (the host employer) can claim 10p per mile for cycling to undertake GP home visits and other work-related activity? As with usual expenses, claims need to be:
- Fully itemised i.e. Including to and from details, total mileage, and dates of claim
- Made within 3 months of the activity
- For work-related activity only
- Signed off by an authorised approver
Don’t have a bike? You may be able to apply for one on the cycle to work scheme. Gloucester Hospitals are members of the cycle to work scheme. Now that GP trainees are employed by them you can sign up to get a bike! There is no waiting period to be able to apply; however you need to have a contract which has at least 12 months remaining to cover the contract term.
All staff of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who have a permanent contract of employment with the Trust, or a fixed term/temporary contract which is due to last at least 12 months from the date of joining the scheme are eligible. In addition, staff must be earning enough to ensure that the salary sacrifice does not take their hourly rate of pay below the National Minimum Wage (it may be possible to avoid this happening by extending the ‘hire period’ from 12 months to 18 or 24 months). The Trust will check all this when you apply to join the scheme.
If you leave the employment of the Trust during the 12 month hire period, the outstanding repayment will not be through salary sacrifice, and you will not benefit from savings in tax, National Insurance etc.
Sound like something you want to consider? Contact Richard Giles for more information.