SME's plan to extend benefits

SMEs plan to expand benefits Research for MetLife UK shows that 53% of SMEs are planning to introduce or expand the benefits they offer staff over the next two years. The analysis shows that 7% will introduce benefits for the first time while 46% will expand the benefits they offer. A quarter of firms say they cannot afford to pay the salaries prospective employees expect, while 27% said their benefits package is not as strong as those at bigger firms. The poll saw 49% of firms with between 50 and 300 staff say recruitment and retention are major issues for them. Adrian Matthews, employee benefits director at MetLife UK, said: “Employees increasingly recognise the value of benefits and SMEs are clearly looking to respond by enhancing what they offer staff.”