Sheffield Council leader hopes offering staff an electric car will help tackle staff shortages

Councillor Cate McDonald, co-operative executive member for finance and resources, gave her views on the scheme during a leaders meeting this week before it was formally approved.

She said: “This is a really significant thing in terms of staff retention and attracting staff because in several areas there are quite a lot of staff shortages.

“We can’t keep escalating salaries and financial offers but this is a really good indication of a whole package which would make Sheffield a very attractive employer.

“So I welcome it from that perspective as well.

“It is a good opportunity for us to put all of our offer together and use it to promote Sheffield as a good employer alongside the fair wages that we pay as well.”

The salary sacrifice scheme forms part of a range of measures to reduce the number of car journeys council workers make which include increasing working from home and an e-bike cycling programme.

Coun Douglas Johnson, executive member for climate change, environment and transport, said: “I’m pleased to see this coming forward. It helps to switch over petrol and diesel to electric vehicles for those who need it.