Frequently Asked Questions
Computers, Mobile Phones, Audio Visual (Smart TVs), Cameras, Furniture, Domestic Appliances & Gym Equipment

1. Am I eligible to take part in these programs?

These programs enable the Trust to provide the schemes’ Technology Products for personal use to eligible employees in return for a reduction in salary (salary sacrifice).

Eligible employees are permanent employees and employees on a fixed term contract for a period of at least the length of the repayment period, paid through the Trust payroll, not bank-only employees.

You are eligible if you meet all the criteria below:

• You are paid by the Trust through the Trust payroll; and
• You are at least 18 years old; and
• You are paid above National Living Wage after you have sacrificed your salary

2. How does the salary sacrifice work?

A salary sacrifice is where an employee gives up the right to receive part of their cash pay due under their contract of employment. With all the Benefit programs offered the employee agrees to a reduction of their salary each month in return for the employer providing a device or devices for personal use.

The monthly Gross Salary reductions will be made direct from salary through Payroll, starting the month following the submission of your order.

3. Do I own the Equipment during the Benefit Period?

No. The Trust lends you the products during the Benefit Period and until all payments have been made.

4. My employment is due to cease before the end of the Salary Sacrifice Agreement Period; can I still participate?

Although you can participate, the Benefit Agreement will terminate when you leave employment (e.g. on retirement) and you would be liable to pay the outstanding instalments due to the end of the Benefit Agreement and this will be taken out of your final net salary (including the final/transfer fee). If we are unable to deduct from your final net salary an invoice will be sent to you for the full amount that is outstanding.

5. If my employment ceases on grounds of redundancy how my redundancy will figures be calculated?

Redundancy figures will be calculated on the gross salary before the benefit reduction.  However, you will be liable to pay the outstanding instalments due to the end of the Benefit Agreement and this will be taken out of your final net salary. If we are unable to deduct from your final net salary an invoice will be sent to you for the full amount that is outstanding.

6. What happens if I reduce my hours?

If you reduce your hours during the benefit agreement you can still continue within the scheme if your basic earnings (excluding unsocial hours allowances) do not fall below the National Living Wage.  If your earnings fall below the National Living Wage you will be liable to pay the outstanding instalments due to end the benefit agreement.

7. How much will the product(s) cost me?

Your reference pay will be reduced by an amount, equivalent in total to the value of the product(s) that you’ve chosen, spread evenly over Benefit Period, with an additional, if applicable, ‘Final/Transfer Fee’ at the end of the agreement and this will be deducted from your net salary.

8. Can I change the specifications of the product(s) on offer?

No, the specification for each product is fixed.

9. Can I order more than one product through the program?

Yes, you can order multiple products but you may only have one Smart TV per person, one Camera per person, one Mobile Phone per person, one Fridge Freezer per person, one Oven, one Washing Machine and one Dryer per person and one piece of gym equipment. You can only order computing equipment up to the value of £3,500.

10. When can I order another product/s?

No, if you have a product in a category you cannot place another order in the same category until the term of the Benefit ends (typically 24 or 36 months).

11. Am I eligible to order these devices?

The salary sacrifice scheme is open to all staff on the PAYE payroll (excluding zero hours Bank contract) where basic salary does not go below the National Living Wage after the salary sacrifice has been applied.

12. If I reduce my hours permanently which takes me below National Living Wage will my benefit agreement be terminated?

Yes. Should this take you below National Living Wage you will be required to pay the outstanding amount of your benefit agreement from your net salary or by personal cheque.

13. Will this program be offered again?

The program will be reviewed on an on-going basis, but it cannot be guaranteed that it will be run again in the future.

14. Can I change my mind once I have signed the Benefit Agreement?

No. Once you have signed your Benefit Agreement you are not allowed to cancel. However, your employer has given you an additional right and you may cancel this agreement within 5 days of signing your Benefit Agreement and provided the products have not yet been shipped to you.

15. Can I have the product(s) delivered to my workplace?

No, to ensure delivery, we need to deliver to your home.

16. Are the products covered by insurance?

Computers only: This insurance is arranged and administered by Bastion Insurance Services Ltd and underwritten by Inter Partner Assistance SA UK Branch (IPA) which is fully owned by the AXA Partners Group. Inter Partner Assistance is a Belgian firm authorised by the National Bank of Belgium and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details about the extent of its regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request. Inter Partner Assistance SA Financial Conduct Authority Register number is 202664. You can check this on the Financial Conduct Authority’s Register by visiting the website www.fca.org.uk/register.

Mobile Phones only: This insurance is arranged and administered by Bastion Insurance Services Ltd and underwritten by Inter Partner Assistance SA UK Branch (IPA) which is fully owned by the AXA Partners Group. Inter Partner Assistance is a Belgian firm authorised by the National Bank of Belgium and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details about the extent of its regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request. Inter Partner Assistance SA Financial Conduct Authority Register number is 202664. You can check this on the Financial Conduct Authority’s Register by visiting the website www.fca.org.uk/register

Financial Services Register
https://www.fca.org.uk

17. Do I have a Tariff with a Mobile Phone?

Mobile Phones are supplied as Sim Free only and are not supplied with any tariff.

18. How much will I actually pay for these products through the scheme, after savings?

Payslips will show the Gross Salary reduction for your chosen product that is shown on your signed Benefit Agreement. This figure is then subject to savings of National Insurance and Occupational Pension Scheme contributions.

Income Tax is then due and is re-assessed as a Benefit-in-Kind and you will be provided with a P11D from your employer. Examples of savings are detailed on the website.

19. Information regarding the effects on NHS Pension

The fact that your contractual pay is being reduced means that your level of NHS pension contribution will be reduced.

The April 2015 new national NHS pension scheme your pensionable benefit will be 1/54^th of your reckonable pay for each year of your membership. Further it will be based on career average earnings, rather than final salary. Your participation in a salary sacrifice scheme may affect your NHS pension, as salary sacrifice reduces the basic salary that your pension is based on. The Trust and its officers do not give pension advice.

You are strongly advised to consider the impact of the reduced salary due to salary sacrifice and seek independent financial advice if you are unsure about the potential impact. Although the effect on your pension may be small, you should take advice regarding the individual effect before proceeding.

Further information can be obtained from:
http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/4017.aspx
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/339746/NHS_Pension_Scheme.pdf

20. When will I receive my chosen product(s)?

Deliveries will commence after your employer has authorised your application. You will be contacted by email or text to advise you of a delivery date. Delivery will normally be within 4 weeks of the order window closing. However, new product releases (such as the latest iPad Pro’s or iPhone X) may have an extended delivery time depending on stock availability from the manufacturer.

Please note that deliveries may be affected beyond our control – In these circumstances we will endeavour to offer a similar product.

20.1 Please ensure you understand what to do when ordering a White Goods (Washing Machine, Dishwasher, Oven, Fridge & Freezer) and Gym products. See section 25.4 and 25.5. 

21. When will payroll reductions start?

Payroll reductions will commence one month after the close of the ordering window. Note that reductions will start as stated, regardless of whether you have received your products or not.

22. How will I receive my warranty?

The activation process for each product will be different, so please ensure you read the paperwork shipped to you with your package. For some products, the extended warranty may be delivered separately from the products. If you have any queries about the warranty or product information you receive please call our Helpline.

Important: Please read the standard warranty terms supplied with the products. You are responsible for completing online or returning to the manufacturer any registration form and doing anything else needed to activate such warranty.

23. Where can I find the manufacturer’s Helpline numbers?

Please click here for the manufacturers’ telephone numbers.

24. Where can I find out more about my Product/s Insurance?

Please click here for Computer insurance page.

Please click here for Mobile Phone insurance page.

NOTE: For Smart TV’S you must inform your household contents insurance company.

25. What do I do when the products are delivered?

You are required to confirm receipt by signing the carrier’s delivery note.

Please Note: If the product packaging is damaged please ensure that this is noted on the carrier’s Delivery Note as “DAMAGED”; or if in doubt please reject the delivery. Where such circumstances are applicable you will not be recharged for a subsequent delivery.

Important: It will not be possible for us to replace items that are delivered in damaged packaging if you have NOT signed the Delivery Note by making it clear to the Delivery Company that the Packaging was damaged when delivered.

25.1 Computer product:

To protect you and your product, we have made sure every item comes with a full-term warranty, Internet security and identity theft protection. We also provide technical support and remote support services… this is supplied by us to provide you with trouble free computing.

Should you have a hardware fault during the term your product will be fixed.

For a Laptop, the battery and battery charger will only be covered for the first 6 months under warranty. As such, it is important to follow the instructions that come with your Laptop to maintain battery performance. For a Desktop, the keyboard and mouse are also only covered for the first 6 months under warranty.

For hardware support phone your warranty help line – have ready the computers serial number and your warranty registration details. If your machine cannot be repaired remotely then you will be directed to support staff who will advise you on the process to follow for repair. 

25.2 Mobile Phone product:

You are responsible for completing and returning to the manufacturer any registration form and doing anything else needed to activate such standard warranty. For hardware support phone your warranty helpline and have ready the mobile phones serial and EMEI numbers and your warranty registration details.

We also, provide technical support and remote support services …..all to provide you with a trouble free experience. Should you have a hardware fault during the Benefit period please contact the manufacturers helpline.

25.3 Audio Visual (Smart TVs and Cameras):

To protect you and your product, we have made sure every item comes with a standard manufacturer’s warranty. Should you have a hardware fault during the warranty Period please contact the warranty helpline.

25.4 White Goods (Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Ovens & Fridge/Freezers):

Deliveries of White Good Products will be made by geographical area. The Map is only intended as a guide.

Deliveries are made by postcode and may vary from time to time.

Before ordering your new product/s you must ensure the following!

a) Please ensure that you measure the space and access space accurately prior to ordering your new product/s.
b) Location space must be able to take the size of your ordered product/s.
c) Access space must be large enough for the product/s to fit through – Front door – Kitchen door way – Back door – Utility room door way – Hallway.
d) Allowance must also, be made for your products “connection to” utilities such as water, waste and electricity.
e) Fitting is entirely your responsibility and at your own risk. We will not be able to take the product back.
f) Removal of old product is also your responsibility – for the avoidance of doubt – the delivery driver will not take your old product/s back.
g) All products are warranted.
h) Returns: Any goods damaged in transit must be reported to us within 7 days.
Faulty Goods will only be collected on proof of a valid manufacturer “uplift number”.
i) Any goods which are surplus to requirements must be reported within 14 days of the original delivery date and must be packaged as new.
j) We reserve the right to charge a “restocking charge” of 25% on unwanted goods but are unable to collect goods which have been discontinued or ordered specially.
k) All requests for collection must be submitted on “Swift Electrical Collection Request Forms” which are available online or by request.
l) Delivery charges: Delivery is free of charge.
m) Deliveries will only be made to a ground floor entrance by a single driver – you may need to provide assistance for larger heavier items.

25.5 Gym Equipment:

Before ordering your new product/s you must ensure the following!

a) Please ensure that you measure the space and access space accurately prior to ordering your new product/s. Many Items are large and require considerable space. Also consider means of access to the desired location to ensure insertion is possible.
b) Location space must be able to take the size of your ordered product/s and allow safe usage and user access.
c) Access space must be large enough for the product/s to fit through – Front door – bedroom door way – Back door – Utility room door way – Hallway, (and all routes to point of install).
d) Allowance must also, be made for your products connection to a power source, (if required).

Commercial grade machines may require a direct connection to 240v ring main supply, (no extension leads).
e) Generally Large Commercial Grade machines will be supplied and installed by supplier, other grade machines/smaller machines will be supply only, (assembly by customer).

Please read the item description to be sure.

In the case of supply only, the delivery will be to the threshold of the property only, (any further insertion at the discretion of the delivery team/driver). Fitting is entirely your responsibility and at your own risk. We will not be able to take the product back once delivered.
j) Supplier will make contact with customer by phone or email to advise/agree on delivery day and an estimate on time.

Wherever possible the driver will contact the customer on the day of delivery too.

Where a delivery is not met as the customer is not in, (or another problem occurs) supplier will advise an alternative delivery that meets their convenience.

If subsequent deliveries are not possible through no fault of the supplier a restocking fee may be chargeable.

26. Can I load my own software or upgrade my product(s)?

You can load any additional licensed software or connect any additional products to your equipment throughout the Benefit Period. However, you must not violate the manufacturer’s warranty terms or instruction. Please Note: If you return the equipment at the end of the Benefit Agreement period, you will need to remove any added items either hardware or software.

27. If I choose a computer will the anti-virus software supplied with my machine be the latest version?

Yes, but as with all anti-virus software you will need to download free (for 3 years) updates to protect against the latest viruses. If you choose not to download updates the software will continue to function but you will not be protected against the latest viruses. Anti-virus products offering such protection for 3 years would normally cost you around £59.95 in the shops or on-line.

28. What happens if I go on maternity, paternity or agreed unpaid leave?

If you take any unpaid leave for any reason during the term of the Agreement, then your payments will be suspended for the period of such unpaid leave. On your return, we will recommence the payments to cover the period of unpaid leave and extend the Benefit period accordingly. For your paid maternity and paternity periods this will be based on the relevant earnings period for those schemes and may be lower due to sacrificing part of your salary.

29. What if I leave my employment for any reason?

If you end your employment with us, the Benefit Agreement will terminate. We will ask you to pay the remaining amounts on the package(s) you have chosen so that continued use of the products can be arranged for you. This will be deducted from your final net salary. If we are unable to deduct the outstanding amount from your final salary you will be required to forward a cheque to us for the full amount that is outstanding.

30. What happens at the end of the Agreement?

At the end of the Agreement disposal of the product(s) will be handled by the Owner who will make the goods available after all monthly reductions have been taken.

31. Does the adjustment to my salary make a difference to any other benefits?

The adjustment of your salary will have no effect on salary-related payments such as overtime and shift.

These payments are based on your total remuneration, i.e. revised gross salary plus the value of the Product Benefit. Statutory benefits are calculated on your salary less the money you have paid for your product(s)

Your lower rate statutory benefit may remain unaffected. Statutory benefits such as sick pay and job seekers allowance are unlikely to be affected as long as your earnings do not fall below the lower earnings limit for National Insurance contribution purposes.

32. What is the P11D value of these products?

The P11D value for Income Tax purposes is 100% of the total annual value of the products you have ordered. So, for a £1,000 spend, spread over two years, you will pay tax on £500 per annum for the two years.

National Insurance Contributions and where applicable, Pension Contributions are not due on the items and are saved by you.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS