HMRC has launched its Fitness at Work guidance on using the tax system to offer gym memberships and sports facilities to staff.
The guidance is designed to help employers introduce health and wellbeing benefits that encourage employees to be more active. In 2016/17, 1.3 million workers suffered from work-related ill-health, which equated to 25.7 million working days lost. This has been estimated to cost £522 per employee, and up to £32 billion per year for UK business.
The guidance outlines the way that the tax system can be utilised to introduce physical activities into the workplace. It covers cycle-to-work schemes, providing your own tax-free recreational or sports facilities and providing gym membership for employees as a Benefit in Kind.
