Employee benefits provider Unum UK has implemented a new electric vehicle (EV) scheme for its employees with the goal of reducing the company’s environmental impact, in conjunction with its other sustainable initiatives.
Through the new scheme, backed by The Octopus Electric Dreams Car Scheme, all of Unum’s over 800 permanent UK-based employees can choose from a wide range of EV models to use on lease – EV experts will also be on hand to help them select the right car, as well as the appropriate charger and energy tariff plan. Employees can also choose to rent the EVs for 24-, 36-, or 48-month periods, with no upfront payment involved. To further incentivise employees, they will get a yearly mileage allowance up to 30,000 miles.
Citing data from EDF Energy, Unum UK said that every EV on the road saves an average of 1.5 million grams of CO2 per year – the equivalent of flying return from London to Barcelona four times. The new EV program will make EV ownership more accessible for Unum UK’s staff and dramatically lower their carbon footprints, the company added.
The EV scheme will run alongside Unum UK’s other ongoing sustainability initiatives: allowing employees to subscribe to Ecologi to fund tree planting and the company’s “Cycle2Work” program. Unum UK reported that its employee Ecologi donations have led to 8,000 trees being planted, and that it has expanded its Cycle2Work program to allow more staff to purchase new bikes and cycling equipment.
“As a purpose-led and values-driven employee benefits provider, Unum is committed to reducing our impact on the planet and playing our part in the fight against climate change,” said Unum UK HR director Jane Hulme. “With responsible benefits like the electric vehicle scheme, carbon offsetting and Cycle2Work, we’re also proud to help our employees make informed choices about their own carbon footprint and environmental impact to help limit climate change.”
Read more: Unum UK creates chief change officer role
Earlier this year, Unum UK created the new position of chief change officer, appointing Will Major to the role. Joining from Prudential, where he had spent 13 years, Major’s role is to partner with Unum’s brokers to drive sustainable and long-term growth.
