Introduction Background Note
14.Under current legislation an employer who arranges and pays for medical treatment for an employee is generally providing a benefit in kind that is treated as earnings and is liable to income tax. Where an employer either pays for medical treatment arranged by an employee or reimburses an employee for the costs of such treatment, this constitutes a payment of earnings and is also subject to income tax.
15.This legislation will provide an exemption from a charge to income tax for any payment by an employer to meet the costs of medical treatment that has been recommended by occupational health services up to a limit of £500 per employee per year. This will support the Government’s aim to widen access to occupational health treatment and to encourage employers to engage with the wellbeing of their employees.