LTS expands benefits with extra leave, service awards and support

By Olivia Hart

LTS Global Solutions gives employees 33 days of leave each year, comprising 25 days of annual leave and eight bank holidays. The Coleshill-based supply chain specialist is expanding its employee benefits to add flexibility, practical support and development alongside job security and competitive pay.

The expansion also sets a clear eligibility point: employees can access the wider range only after passing probation. These changes are company policy commitments, not a new statutory leave requirement. For its UK workforce, LTS says its 33-day total exceeds the statutory entitlement of 20 annual-leave days plus bank holidays.

The announcement gives no commencement date for the wider package and does not name a calendar year. Its one specific timing point is April next year, when the additional-leave purchase scheme starts.

What does the expanded package cover?

LTS says the package supports employees’ physical, mental and financial wellbeing, creates more flexibility and time away, and helps staff develop skills and build long-term careers. After probation, employees can access additional annual leave, financial rewards, health and wellbeing support, professional development and everyday discounts. Several elements then apply their own service, attendance or eligibility conditions.

• Service recognition: Employees who reach five, 10 or 15 years with LTS receive one extra annual-leave day. They also receive gifts of choice worth £100, £250 or £500 at those respective anniversaries.
• Employee ideas: Staff who suggest workplace improvements can receive rewards ranging from £50 to £1,000.
• Birthday leave: Every employee receives a half-day off for their birthday. At LTS’s discretion, a second half-day may follow if the employee has taken no sickness leave or unauthorised absence during the preceding three months.
• Purchased leave: From April next year, employees with at least 12 months of service who would benefit from more time away can buy additional annual leave.

Which employee-process rules shape access?

Beyond leave, LTS provides an on-site gym for employees seeking fitness improvements, stress relief or personal time during the working day. Its referral scheme pays £250 when an employee’s new recruit successfully passes probation. These provisions connect the package to recruitment and workplace participation, not only holiday and pension provision.

The company also operates a workplace pension and a death-in-service benefit worth £50,000 for nominated beneficiaries if an employee dies while employed by LTS. Lifestyle benefits include cinema discounts and savings on everyday shopping. A confidential employee assistance programme provides 24/7 support across a range of topics.

Employees can use a health plan to help with everyday healthcare costs, plus financial education and training programmes designed to build skills and help staff feel safe and confident in their roles. The company says the combined package addresses support that employees need outside work as well as recognition for their contribution inside it.

What does management want the package to achieve?

Dave Hands, LTS Global Solutions managing director, said: “The loyalty and commitment of our staff is critical to the ongoing success of our business and we feel it is important to reward every member of our team who on a daily basis contributes to taking the company to where we want it to be.”

Hands said the company wants employees to feel valued and supported while achieving personal and professional goals. He also said staff have lives outside work and need time, support and opportunities that benefit them both personally and professionally.

“Our aim is to provide benefits that genuinely make a difference to the everyday lives of our employees and their families – whether that’s having additional time off, getting support with their health and finances, developing new skills or simply feeling recognised for the contribution they make to LTS,” he said.

The package’s next adoption point comes in April next year, when employees with at least 12 months of service can buy additional leave. Uptake of that option, alongside use of the gym, assistance programme and training, will show whether the company’s new benefits become routine parts of working life.