OUR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Being part of building Britain's future with HS2 brings its own unique rewards.
This document is designed to outline the comprehensive range of employee benefits you will
receive when you join us. Our benefits package is a key part of our approach to attracting
and retaining talent while supporting all aspects of our employees’ (and their families’)
physical, social, emotional and financial wellbeing.
BENEFIT TABLE SUMMARY
FINANCIAL PROTECTION HAPPY & HEALTHY LIFESTYLE & LEISURE
Flex Fund (C) up to and incl. 25 days’ Holiday (C)
Healthcare Cash Plan (C)
Grade 21 Additional Holiday Purchase (V)
Employee Assistance Voluntary Benefits (V):
Pension (C)
Programme (C)
• Travel Insurance
Wellbeing & Occupational • Motor Breakdown Cover
Life Assurance (C) • Cycle to Work
Health Services (C)
• Restaurant Discount Card
• Gym Membership
Income Protection (C) Health Screening for Grade • Charitable Giving
20+ (C), (V) for other grades • Additional levels of Life
Critical Illness (V) Assurance
• Additional levels of Income
Private Medical Insurance (V)
Protection
Discounts and Cashback (V)
• Additional levels of Healthcare
Dental Insurance (V)
KEY:
(C) Core Benefits are part of your reward package. Please note that some of these benefits
may attract benefit in kind tax.
(V) Voluntary Benefits which can be purchased in addition to your core benefits.
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Simply Benefits
Simply Benefits is our online portal where you can find further details about your benefits and
choose the ones you want by spending your Flex Fund. Simply Benefits enables you to:
• Enjoy preferential rates - benefit from our buying power
• Spread the costs – pay for your benefits over 12 months
• Save tax and National Insurance – some of our benefits are paid for via salary sacrifice,
meaning you will be able to save on National Insurance contributions, and in some
cases tax
• Add dependants – you can pay to include dependants (only for certain benefits and
subject to the provider’s terms & conditions)
After your first salary payment, you will receive your log in details to access Simply Benefits.
You will have 21 days to make your elections. We strongly encourage you to access the portal
as some benefits can only be chosen or changed at certain times in the year, including when
you join us, if you have a change in circumstances (known as a life event) or during our annual
enrolment window.
FINANCIAL PROTECTION
Flex Fund (C)
You will receive a generous Flex Fund which can be used to supplement your base salary,
upgrade core benefits and/or purchase voluntary benefits. The Fund is a % of base salary
depending on your grade (up to and including Grade 21).
Discounts and Cashback (C)
You have free access to highly competitive offers and discounts on a range of goods, services
& travel.
Pension (C)
You will be automatically enrolled into our group pension plan on joining with an employee
contribution of 5% of pensionable salary and we contribute 10% of pensionable salary. You can
increase the percentage you contribute, but the maximum we will contribute is 12% of
pensionable salary.
Life Assurance (C)
You will be automatically covered from day one of joining us (if you are age 69 years and
under). In the event you were to die whilst working for us, a lump sum payment will be made
to your nominated beneficiary (ies). We pay for a core level of cover which is 4 x your
pensionable salary and you can increase your cover up to 8 x your pensionable salary by
using your Flex Fund to pay for the cost. Your initial and ongoing eligibility for the benefit is
subject to the rules of the insurer.
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Income Protection (C)
You will be automatically covered from day one of joining us (if you are age 64 years and
under). In the event you cannot work due to long term illness, and subject to fulfilling the
policy terms, the benefit is designed to provide you with an income. We pay for a core level of
cover which is 50% of your pensionable salary for a period of up to five years after 26 weeks
of illness and you can increase your cover up to 60% or 70% of your pensionable salary by
using your Flex Fund to pay for the cost. Your initial and ongoing eligibility for the benefit is
subject to the rules of the insurer.
Critical Illness (V)
You will receive a lump sum payment if you are diagnosed with one of the insurer-specified
conditions. You can choose cover in units of £25,000 up to a maximum benefit of £500,000 or
five times your salary, whichever is the lesser. If you select this benefit for yourself, you can
also choose to extend cover to your partner. Children are also automatically covered for
£20,000 or 25% of your benefit, whichever is the lesser.
HAPPY & HEALTHY
Healthcare Cash Plan (C)
You will be automatically covered (Level 1 cover) from day one of joining us. The Plan enables
you to claim reimbursement for a range of everyday medical treatments and services. The
Plan includes access to MRI, CT and PET scanning facilities and DoctorLine™ service (24/7
telephone/webcam GP access). You have the option to increase your cover level and/or
include your family. You can also opt out if you wish.
Please note – this is a taxable benefit.
Private Medical Insurance (V)
You will receive quick and prompt access to high-quality medical care, from seeing a specialist
for diagnosis to receiving major surgery. There are four levels of cover available for you to
choose from and you can extend cover to your partner & children.
Health Screening (C, V)
Health screenings identify any health problems and provide you with help and advice to
achieve a balanced lifestyle. You automatically qualify for a health screening each year paid by
us (for Grade 20 and above) and you can also choose to purchase a health screening for
your partner.
Please note – this is a taxable benefit.
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Dental Insurance (V)
You will receive reimbursement for restorative and preventative treatments, up to scheme
limits. You can claim back the cost of routine examinations, hygiene treatments, dental x-rays
and more. There are various levels of cover you can choose from.
Employee Assistance Program (C)
Our EAP offers free independent confidential support to all employees on a wide range of
issues. Information and advice can be provided over the phone, via email, or by post.
Wellbeing & Occupational Health Services (C)
You will have access to a wide range of wellbeing and occupational health services.
LIFESTYLE & LEISURE
Holiday Entitlement and Additional Holiday Purchase (C, V)
Everyone is automatically entitled to 25 days a year holiday (excluding public holidays and
pro-rated for part time employees). The holiday year runs from 1st January to 31st December.
You can purchase up to five days’ additional holiday (pro-rated for part timers) a year in our
holiday enrolment window which generally runs in December.
Travel Insurance (V)
You and your family will receive European or Worldwide protection throughout the year. All
levels of cover are available and can include winter sports.
Motor Breakdown Cover (V)
You will be covered for a 24-hour breakdown service which includes access to the helpline if
your car breaks down. The cover is for a specific vehicle, meaning your car is covered
regardless of who is driving it.
Cycle to Work (V)
You will lease a bike and/or accessories and safety equipment up to the value of £1,000.
Restaurant Discount Card (V)
You will enjoy up to 50% off your bill at more than 10,000 restaurants and eateries across the
UK.
Gym Membership (V)
You will receive discounted gym membership rates and, in some cases, waivered joining fees.
Charitable Giving (V)
You will donate to your chosen charity (ies) straight from your pay.
HS2 Ltd periodically reviews its employee benefits provision and suppliers and details may be subject to change, however the
above information is correct as at time of publication (June 2021).
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