Barclays to launch four new employee benefits

Barclays PLC is launching four new employee benefits, taking the total number available to staff by the end of 2004 to nearly 60, according to a new booklet from Barclays that for the first time brings together the companyís benefits into one single document Capturing Your Benefits.

The four new benefits to be launched to staff later in the year include Exclusively Ours, an improved range of Barclays own products and services; Barclays Home Computers, a scheme offering significant savings on home computers; youatwork, an electronic shopping channel; and a discounted car scheme for all employees.

The booklet is designed to support employeesí needs in the areas of finance, work/life balance, health, personal development and the community. As well as announcing the roll-out of four new employee benefits in 2004, it also shows that all Barclays employees in the UK already have access to a wide range of practical employee benefits, designed to improve their home and working lives.

Catherine Redmond, Barclays Head of Employee Benefits, said: ìThe needs and priorities of Barclays employees are increasingly diverse. Employees today rightly expect more from their employer than a monthly pay slip. We recognise the need to offer an extensive range of benefits, not just financially oriented, to attract new recruits and retain a first class talent pool.

ìOur new booklet reflects, to some extent, the changing priorities of todayís employees who, while valuing financial remuneration, are also focused on achieving a real work life balance, developing themselves as people and giving something back to the communities in which they live and work.î

The booklet includes details of benefits typically offered by leading financial services institutions such as pensions and share schemes (including Barclays award-winning pension scheme, afterwork). However, it also contains information for staff on how to make the most of being a Barclays employee, ranging from advice on how to receive special discounts online, develop new skills or benefit from flexible working policies.

[Copies of the booklet are available on request]