Medical insurance
Employees may join our medical insurance scheme through BUPA. Employees pay their own subscriptions through payroll deduction and benefit from attractive discounts on BUPA's normal subscription rates.

Group income protection - Operational Director only
You will receive free income protection through the Group's scheme.

Pension
Employees may join the Social Housing Pension Scheme administered by the Pensions Trust. This is a contributory, final salary scheme with a current Company contribution of 14.1% (variable). Employees are eligible to join at any time from their first day of employment up to the completion of their first year of employment.

Appraisals and PRP
Appraisals are conducted annually for all employees. Linked to this, a Performance Related Pay scheme rewards employees' contribution to business success.

Employee recognition scheme
Rewards and motivates employees who perform in a manner which exceeds normal job requirements and demonstrates A2's values. The reward is a non monetary award up to the value of £100.

Education, training and development
A comprehensive personal development plan is created for each employee at commencement of employment and is regularly reviewed through the annual appraisal scheme. Employees are encouraged to study for relevant qualifications and, where possible, are given support in terms of leave and payment of costs. Where possible training is also linked to external standards ie National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and Management Charter Initiatives (MCIs).

Investors in People
Our accreditation as an Investor in People demonstrates our full commitment to supporting the development of our people. Employee development plays a key part in helping us meet our business objectives and our aim is to build upon our strengths through continuous improvement.

Disability symbol
The presence of the Disability Symbol indicates that we are committed to ensuring people with disabilities are supported and encouraged to apply for employment with the Group and to providing opportunities for development during their employment. Such individuals have an equal opportunity to be selected, trained and promoted and every reasonable effort is made to continue the employment of disabled persons.

Flexible working hours
The standard full-time working week is 36 hours. Employees must work the core hours from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm and 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm, however, daily hours may commence from 7.30 am and end up to 7.00 pm. Up to 10 accrued hours may be carried over to the next working period. Up to one day's flexi-time can be taken off per working period, subject to line manager approval.

Annual leave
25 days rising to 28 after 3 years' continuous service, plus Public Holidays (pro-rata for part-time employees). The annual leave year runs from 1st April to 31st March.

Occupational sick pay
No occupational sick pay is payable during probationary period. After the probationary period and up to 3 years' service, employees receive 3 months' full pay and 3 months' half pay. After 3 years' service, employees receive 6 months' full pay and 6 months' half pay.

Childcare vouchers
Employees may choose to take a proportion of their monthly salary in childcare vouchers. The employee does not pay tax or NI on the amount of salary sacrificed which can bring savings of up to £858 per annum or £1066 per annum (higher rate tax payers).

Eye tests
All staff whose work involves using a visual display screen are required to have an annual eye screening test in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Regulations. The Company will pay the fee for the test plus the basic cost of any glasses recommended for display screen work.

Employee assistance programme
Employees and members of their household have access to this free confidential helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Advice and counselling is available on a wide range of subjects.

Social club
All employees are welcome to join the A2 Staff Sports and Social Club for a small monthly subscription. Regular social events are arranged at a discount for members, with full-paying guests welcome.

Gym membership
Corporate discounts can be obtained for membership of the Holmes Place gyms located in the Observatory Centre, Slough or Tilly's Lane, Staines. Full or off-peak membership is available at discounted rates and the Company will pay your initial joining fee.

IT systems
A2 has an excellent group wide communications system with networked PCs. This incorporates internal and external emailing, desktop faxing, electronic diary and filing facilities and access to Internet sites. Our intranet, available to all employees, contains reference documents, announcements and useful contact details. All supported by a professional in-house technical support service.