Construction company Sir Robert McAlpine has reported strong early engagement following the launch of its updated car salary sacrifice scheme.

The employee benefit has been launched to improve affordability of vehicles for employees and support the company’s sustainability ambitions.

Within just 48 hours of the Tusker scheme going live, a quarter of its 1,300+ eligible employees had logged on to explore the benefit, reflecting what the business describes as “pent-up demand” among its workforce, with cars being ordered within the first few days of launch.

The business introduced the updated scheme to ensure electric vehicles are more accessible to a broader range of employees, particularly at a time when cost-of-living pressures are high.

Antony Childs, head of people operations & development, explained: “For many people, the cost of an EV outright is still too high. Salary sacrifice schemes change that, making it a realistic option for many more employees. Tusker’s Pre-loved vehicle programme also has a big impact, ensuring more affordability for more employees.”

Tusker’s salary sacrifice scheme also aligns with Sir Robert McAlpine’s wider environmental goals. Having committed to reducing their carbon emissions, with a target of net zero by 2045, this scheme is supporting their employees to transition to lower-emission vehicles, reducing the business carbon footprint.

“There’s a clear link between affordability and sustainability,” Childs added. “If we want more people to switch to lower emission vehicles, we have to make it financially viable, especially when the cost of living is an issue for so many.”

While car salary sacrifice schemes are becoming increasingly common, Childs believes they are quickly moving from a ‘nice to have” to an expected part of a competitive benefits package.

Early indicators suggest the Tusker scheme is broadening access to employees, whether they are monthly or lunar paid. The benefit is accessed by Single Sign On via the Reward Gateway platform, making the employee experience simple and secure.

To launch the scheme, a multi-channel communication approach was taken, combining digital and on-site activity. A key part of the strategy was identifying and engaging internal champions early.

Childs added: “It really helps to know where the employee champion ‘grapevine’ starts from. Influential voices help seed awareness and build momentum which helps interest in the scheme spread organically”.

Cheryl Clements, head of business development at Tusker, said Sir Robert McAlpine has positioned the benefit as a practical way to help employees manage everyday costs while accessing a new vehicle.

“With strong early engagement and positive employee feedback, the scheme is already proving its value as both a sustainability lever and a meaningful support for employees navigating rising costs.”