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An employee benefits package rivalling those of City finance firms has been launched by a London council, in a bid to attract new staff. Brent LBC has launched an extensive package of staff benefits, including a 24-hour phone helpline offering support and advice on everything from leaking taps to getting home from hospital. The scheme also includes discounts on holidays, gym membership, cinema trips, chiropodists, physiotherapists and at high street stores. The council already provides childcare vouchers, an award-winning flexible working scheme, and discounts on new bicycles. Brent's strategic HR manager, Claire Gore, said: ‘It is not always possible to raise salaries in local government, but benefits make staff feel valued and appreciated, help them manage their work-life balance, and improve our ability to attract talented candidates to Brent.' By comparison Nomura, the international bank which employs some of the top City traders, provides a discretionary bonus scheme, personal accident plan and health insurance, subsidised gym membership and a season ticket loan. A spokesperson for the bank said: ‘This is fairly comprehensive in terms of the tangible benefits we offer our employees. On top of this, we have a number of CSR initiatives, such as matched giving charity schemes, that make up more of the intangible benefits which give a "feelgood" factor.' Graham Poskitt, senior consultant in employee benefits practice at the Hay Group, said Brent was on the right track: ‘The council has done the right thing. It repositions these schemes away from staid packages. ‘Councils are thoughtful, caring employers and this comes at a time when it's difficult to offer more money. It demonstrates that with some creativity, they can start something which sets them apart from private firms and other local authorities.'

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WHITEHALL

Brent helps staff to feel the benefit

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