Overview
Relocation assistance will be provided to help with expenses incurred by new colleagues relocating to take up employment with Northumbria University.
These arrangements provide a contribution to the cost of relocation only and are not intended to meet all costs associated with relocation.
Standard Relocation Assistance
Northumbria University will reimburse the expenses incurred in relocating that are deemed reasonable and allowable under HMRC regulations.
Costs Covered
Expenses deemed reasonable by Northumbria University include:
*Three competitive quotes should be obtained. Northumbria University will reimburse the lowest of the three quotes; however, it is at your discretion which quotation you accept.
All relocation expenses must be supported by original valid VAT receipts.
Eligibility
Standard Relocation Assistance is open to new colleagues (at Grade 6 and above) who are employed on permanent or fixed-term contracts for a minimum of three years.
To qualify for relocation assistance, individuals must be:
Amount Available
The maximum amount of standard relocation assistance provided by Northumbria University will be 10% of annual starting base salary, up to a maximum of £8,000. For part-time staff, the maximum amount will be pro-rated against the full-time equivalent. This amount can be reimbursed for eligible expenditure as set out below.
Enhanced Relocation Assistance
The University recognises that immigration costs can be high and offers new non-UK colleagues enhanced relocation assistance to cover their own immigration fees relating to their Skilled Worker or Global Talent visa, including immigration healthcare surcharge fees.
Eligibility
Enhanced Relocation Assistance is open to all newly appointed colleagues who require permission to work in the UK and are relocating from either inside or outside of the UK who have a contract of 6 months or more.
Amount Available
We offer new colleagues relocating from outside of the UK a tax-free allowance up to a maximum of £4000 for any immigration costs incurred. For any new colleagues relocating from within the UK in line with policy guidance, we offer a taxable allowance up to a maximum of £4000 for any immigration fees incurred.
Enhanced relocation assistance provided by Northumbria University is in addition to the standard relocation assistance where colleagues are eligible for this.
An Employee Loan Policy is also available to provide financial assistance for other immigration fees incurred by colleagues for themselves and for their dependents.
Tax
The University operates under HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) regulations.
Colleagues are responsible for any statutory income tax and national insurance liability incurred as a result of receiving standard relocation expenses which do not meet the exemptions.
Standard Relocation Assistance
Qualifying relocation costs (up to £8,000) are exempt from tax and national insurance.
Enhanced Relocation Assistance
Reimbursement of all immigration costs are regarded as a taxable benefit and therefore are subject to tax and national insurance deductions unless it is a new employee applying for their visa outside of the UK.
Application and Repayment
Application
A Relocation Assistance Claim should be submitted via the Compensation module in NU People and Finance. Human Resources will check and verify eligibility for the allowance and that the expenses submitted comply with the conditions of the scheme before making payment.
Expenses will be paid via the individual’s monthly salary. Claims need to be submitted prior to the payroll deadline for payment within the same calendar month.
Claims for relocation expenses must be made within one year following the end of the tax year during which employment with the University started.
Repayment of Relocation Assistance
Relocation assistance is offered on the condition that you agree to repay some, or all, of the amount paid if you resign or if you are dismissed for misconduct within 3 years of taking up employment at Northumbria University. In making a claim under the Scheme it is a requirement that you accept this condition.
The timescale for repayment begins from the start date of employment at Northumbria University. The amount repayable is reduced proportionally and is as follows:
| Period of service (from start date of employment) | Amount to be repaid (as % of total amount paid) |
| Less than 1 years' service | 100% |
| More than 1 years' service but less than 2 years' | 50% |
| More than 2 years' service but less than 3 years' | 25% |
Repayment will not be required if the reason for termination of your employment is redundancy.
In the event that you claim relocation assistance and do not relocate, you will be asked to repay the full amount.
Relocation Services
Northumbria University has agreed discounted rates with three providers of relocation services, who can assist with all aspects of a move for a fee payable to the provider. Each company provides a range of different services including:
For further information about the providers please contact Human Resources via email or on 0191 227 4343.
Individuals can if they wish engage an alternative relocation service provider of their choice.
The cost of engaging a relocation service provider is deemed to be a reasonable expense for reimbursement, subject to the total costs claimed not exceeding the maximum allowance.
Application of Policy
Northumbria University retains the discretion to adjust the amount of relocation assistance in individual circumstances.
Relocation assistance is discretionary, and it is not a contractual entitlement. Northumbria University reserves the right to withdraw it at any time.
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