argent's guide

Employee benefits

Our Employee Benefits division was formed in 1999 to address the key needs for employees. Securing and retaining the best employees can be something of a challenge, so having the right remuneration and benefits package can make all the difference in your employment strategy.

We can help you create a sector-leading benefit strategy that will ensure you get the pick of the workforce, including:

• Pensions – ensuring that employees have the prospect of a decent retirement that encourages them to stay with you;
• Death in service – ensuring that your employees’ families are looked after, should they die, will also encourage loyalty;
• Group sick pay – not only can your employees rely on an on-going income, but the knowledge that they and their families are well provided for, can actually speed recovery; and
• Medical expenses – schemes to cover both employees and their families can ensure that your business is disrupted as little as possible as treatment is faster and at times that suit your business.

Companies who recognise the importance of recruiting and then retaining the best staff will want to consider an Employee Benefits Package for them. We work with employers to put in place a comprehensive package of benefits for staff which are both appreciated by the workforce and represent an investment for the employer.

We are often asked to review the benefits that are already in place when communication of the benefits is poor and employee participation is low. As employers make a significant financial commitment by offering these benefits we work with employers to ensure they are administered efficiently and with employees, to ensure they are appreciated!

Pension provision is a major issue for UK Government upon which it is applying increasing levels of attention. Continuing reliance on Insurance Companies has disillusioned many potential investors who have traditionally suffered from high charges and poor performance.

Modernisation of the pension system is continuing and our role is to ensure that both employer and employee enjoy the benefits of a competitive and efficient pension scheme tailored to their needs. In certain circumstances this need no longer involve an insurance company - so good advice is essential.

We prefer to offer its services on a fee basis, charging for time spent. This ensures complete transparency and enhanced terms for staff. However, we recognise that an employer’s budget may not allow for this so we will look to achieve the best deal for staff and at the same time ensure we are remunerated appropriately for the work we are doing. Either way, we avoid large payments of up front commission which can retard growth of a plan, preferring instead to charge either a “level” and/or a “fund based” commission. This means we are remunerated over the duration of a plan and, therefore, retain a common interest with you in the long term value of the fund.

If you would like to discuss this with us please contact Andrew Cousins, 020 7956 2862 or email aac@argent.co.uk