GLOBAL pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has launched a personal motoring package for its 11,000 staff to attract and retain the right employees.

The scheme aims to offer staff who are not entitled to a fleet car, or who want a second vehicle, fleet-style benefits but no company car tax burden.

GE Personal Motoring will manage the personal motoring scheme, allowing staff to purchase new or used vehicles along with contracts for maintenance, tax, three-year fixed premium insurance and roadside assistance. GAP insurance and early termination insurance can also be included.

Funding choices include outright purchase, personal contract purchase or hire purchase, through direct salary deductions. Quotes are provided through an interactive website.

AstraZeneca has about 2,000 company car drivers who have vehicles funded through the Whitechapel scheme, designed to offer the equivalent of a company car, but avoid tax liability.

Gillian Topping, Astra- Zeneca employee scheme fleet manager, said: 'We want to be seen as an employer of choice, and offering staff access to the best deals on vehicles is an important method of recruiting the right staff.'