Short-term rental increase to manage new recruits

Liquid Fleet has reported a rise in the number of employers opting for shorter term rental cars to cover probationary periods for new recruits.

It has seen a 12.5% increase in the number of probationary rentals in the six months from June to November, where it supplies employees with a new five-door petrol or hybrid hatchback or SUV.

Companies are citing the economic slowdown and the Budget for being more cautious when onboarding new employers. 

Instead of opting for a three-year contract hire agreement from the outset they are putting an employee into a new rental car to keep them mobile until they pass their probationary period.

On average Liquid Fleet’s typical probationary rental period is lasting eight months. 

On top of the typical six-month probation period Liquid Fleet is seeing employees wait another two months for their contract hire car to arrive, which takes into account the ordering, production and delivery process.

Martin Potter, Liquid Fleet’s commercial director, said: “It’s interesting how the trend has grown in the past few months. 

“Companies can get their new recruits mobile within just a few days of ordering a car from us. And with longer term rental at eight months, it means they reduce costs when compared with short-term rental whilst avoiding the long-term commitments associated with contract hire.”

“The employee is getting behind the wheel of a brand new five-door car which is good for employee morale when they join a new company,” he added.