Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Councils launch Tusker car 'salary saving' scheme

Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Councils have introduced a new 'salary saving' car scheme to 20,000 eligible employees across both local authorities to improve staff satisfaction and retention.

Following a competitive tender process, Tusker was awarded the new contract and the scheme was introduced as part of a wider employee benefits package in conjunction with employee benefits provider P&MM. 

Key benefits of Tusker’s scheme included the overall quality of the product, high service levels and the company’s approach to driving take up and minimising risk with built in protections in the case of employees leaving.

Aberdeenshire Councillor Martin Kitts-Hayes, chair of the organisation’s Policy and Resources Committee, recognises that the geographically diverse workforce means cars are a particularly valuable benefit. 

He said: “Our employees work in a wide variety of roles, from home carers to road workers. We fully appreciate how expensive it is to live and work in Aberdeenshire, so this is a great way for our employees to limit and budget for the cost of travel.”

More than 100 orders have been placed to date and 10% of the workforce have logged in to the dedicated driver site. 

David Hosking (pictured), CEO of Tusker, said: “It’s clearly been very popular with a 40% increase in orders over the previous scheme. Salaries are going much further and some employees have driven away a brand new car for the first time."

Neil Yacamini, team leader (resourcing) for HR business services in Aberdeen City Council, added: “We have received positive feedback from employees after a series of roadshows conducted by Tusker in recent weeks. The Tusker team is very proactive and supportive, and due to the improved communications the scheme has a much higher profile which has seen a large a spike in orders just in the first few days.”  

The scheme is carbon neutral with all Tusker cars having their carbon emissions offset free of charge through several accredited schemes. Further local projects such as tree planting are currently being investigated so that the carbon offsetting can be invested locally going forward.