TRETHOWANS Solicitors of Salisbury have introduced a childcare voucher scheme for their employees as part of their family friendly benefits package.

The scheme allows employees to take part of their remuneration as childcare vouchers to help save money towards their childcare costs through National Insurance savings.

The Childcare Voucher Scheme was launched on July 1 and has been set up in conjunction with Leapfrog Childcare Vouchers, part of Leapfrog Day Nurseries, a branch of which has opened in London Road, Salisbury.

The vouchers, which do not attract National Insurance contributions for the employee or employer, can be used to pay for childcare for children up to the age of 16.

Employees can make savings of up to 11 per cent, although the exact saving is dependent on the individual's circumstances.

However, it is estimated that most participants will save the equivalent of one month's childcare costs over a 12-month period.

Additional benefits, such as free registration, a discounted corporate rate and the first month free, are available to parents who register their

children at a Leapfrog Day Nursery.

The vouchers are also accepted by any childcare provider in the UK, which is especially important if a child is already settled in a routine with a particular childcare provider.

Amanda Stewart, personnel manager at Trethowans, said: "The scheme demonstrates the firm's commitment to adopting the government's new family friendly laws and helping staff to achieve a sensible balance between work and family lives."