April 2026 marked a major shift for HR teams. The Employment Rights Act introduced stronger statutory protections, including day-one paternity leave and Statutory Sick Pay from the first day of absence.
At the same time, the National Living Wage increased to £12.71, while employers continue to absorb the impact of higher National Insurance contributions introduced in 2025.
For HR leaders, the challenge is clear: how do you continue to support employees while managing rising business costs?
In this report, The Electric Car Scheme explores how organisations are adapting their reward strategies in a rapidly changing landscape. Based on insights from more than 600 HR professionals across two recent surveys, the findings reveal a growing demand for benefits that are sustainable, inclusive, and cost-neutral.
You’ll discover:
- The biggest pressures facing HR and reward teams in 2026
- Why cost-neutral benefits are becoming a strategic priority
- How salary sacrifice schemes are helping businesses offer more without increasing budgets
- The rapid rise of EV salary sacrifice adoption, growing from 7% of organisations in early 2025 to 36% by early 2026
- Practical ways employers can balance employee wellbeing with commercial realities
