We believe in taking care of our people, which is probably why we provide some of the best benefits in the business.
What sets us apart is a genuine desire to cater to the needs of each one of our people as individuals. We do not believe in a 'one size fits all' benefits package. Across our businesses we provide a spectrum of options for you to choose from, so that when you are employed, you can expect these benefits as standard. Click on the icons below to find out more.
__________________________________________________
1
Pension
Pearson offers a generous Money Purchase Pension Scheme where the company contributes double the amount that the employee contributes into the scheme. To participate in this scheme you must be under 59 years of age and on either a permanent or Fixed Term contract. Membership also provides additional spouse and dependent benefits together with a facility to increase your pension through Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC’s).
Full details are provided in the Pension Information Pack or can be view on the Pearson Pension website at
www.pearson-pensions.com.
Top of page
__________________________________________________
2
Life Insurance
Pearson has Life Insurance cover for all employees up to the age of 75. Pearson VUE also provide a Death-in-service provision for those employees aged 76 and over. For this reason, all staff are expected to complete the 'Expression of Wish form' which is provided on employment, and can also be download by current employees from the Pearson Pension website. Completion of this form ensures that benefits are distributed in accordance with the employees wishes.
The Life Insurance payment is twice pensionable annual salary. The Death-in-Service provision for employees aged over 75 is twice contractual annual salary. If you become a member of the pension scheme during the first 12 months of employment, Life Assurance cover increases to four times pensionable salary.
Top of page
__________________________________________________
3
Private Medical Insurance
Pearson offers all employees who are on either a permanent or Fixed Term contract the opportunity to join the Private Healthcare Scheme. This fully comprehensive scheme is available free to staff who choose to join and is classed as a taxable Benefit-in-Kind.
Employees can increase their cover to include their family (spouse/partner and/or children). This is an additional cost to the employee and will be deducted from salary on a monthly basis. Employees are invited to join either during the first 3 months of employment, on transfer from another Pearson company, or at renewal in March each year.
Further information is detailed upon employment.
Top of page
__________________________________________________
4
Dental Insurance
The Pearson Dental Scheme provides all eligible Pearson employees with the opportunity to purchase dental insurance. There are two plan levels – Basic or Plus. Both offer competitive levels of cover.
The plans allow you to claim full reimbursement for the cost of National Health Service (NHS) treatment and/or reimbursement for private dental treatment, within certain limits. You can also choose to extend your cover to your partner and/or dependent children for an additional premium. In addition to children under 18, dependants over the age of 18 years and up to 24 years of age can be covered under the plan providing they are in full time education. Your partner/dependants must be on the same plan level that you have chosen.
Top of page
5
__________________________________________________
Save for Shares
Over 90% of Pearson employees own shares in the business - many through the Save for Shares programme which is offered in April each year. All employees permanently employed by Pearson at the invitation date are eligible to join.
The scheme allows staff to take part in a 3, 5 or 7 year savings contract, with an option to buy Pearson shares at a fixed price when the savings contract is completed. The share price is fixed at 20% less than the market price at the start of the savings contract. Staff can save from £5 to £250 per month. A bonus is offered on completed savings contracts, and there is no obligation to buy shares at the end.
Top of page
6
__________________________________________________
Bikes for Work
The Bikes for Work Plan is a tax-effective benefit available to UK-based employees were you are offered the opportunity to use a bike for travelling to and from work, free of income tax and National Insurance. Significant savings can be made on the cost of a new bike, provided it is mainly for work purposes.
The plan is open to permanent employees who have successfully completed their 6 month probationary period, do not have a disciplinary warning on record and have not participated in the scheme during the previous 3 years of employment.
More information can be found at www.cyclescheme.co.uk.
Top of page
7
__________________________________________________
PeopleLine
PeopleLine is an Employee Assistance Programme. This free service is totally confidential and allows employees and members of their household to access expert advice, invaluable information, specialist counselling and support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, either by phone or via the PeopleLine website at www.ppcworldwide.com.
Top of page
8
__________________________________________________
Childcare Benefit
The Pearson Childcare Benefit Plan is open to all UK employees, and enables working parents who are subject to UK tax to save on childcare costs for children up to the age of 16. You can make direct payments for registered childcare providers, including childminders, nurseries and after school clubs, and approved home care such as nannies and au pairs. The first £55 per week of your childcare costs is exempt from both income tax and National Insurance (NI) contributions.
Top of page
9
__________________________________________________
Charitable Contributions
Pearson has taken part in the Give As You Earn (GAYE) programme for over a decade. GAYE is a simple way of giving to charity direct from pay. Donations are free of tax, therefore, every pound given will cost only 80p. In addition, Pearson will match the full contribution up to a maximum of £500 per year. Contributions can be made to any UK registered charity either directly or through a Charity account.
Top of page