Health and wellbeing costs: expenses policy

Generally, the University will neither pay nor reimburse the costs of personal healthcare.

icon denoting tax treatment Tax treatment of health and wellbeing costs [1]

This table forms part of the Employee Expenses policy. Any deviations from the policy must adhere to the key principles [2] and be authorised by the Head of Institution. Where appropriate, any claims must also align to the funder’s terms and conditions.

Expense category	Allowable expenses	Additional information
Eye tests and glasses	This is no longer an allowable expense as of 1 January 2025. However any employee who is a regular user of a Visual Display Unit, may request a voucher for an eyesight test through Occupational Health. Tax treatment [3]	See safety guidance [4] for display screen equipment on the Health & Safety web pages. Where approved by Occupational Health, the voucher covers the cost of an eye test and up to £50 towards the cost of glasses prescribed specifically for VDU use. Refer to the Occupational Health webpage [5] on eye tests.
Medical insurance, medical treatment, counselling, gym membership, childcare	The University will not reimburse any expenses associated with these categories. Tax treatment [6]	If, in exceptional circumstances, the University does agree to reimburse such costs, the Employment Tax section [7] must be consulted to consider potential tax implications.

Expense category

Allowable expenses

Additional information

Eye tests and glasses

This is no longer an allowable expense as of 1 January 2025. However any employee who is a regular user of a Visual Display Unit, may request a voucher for an eyesight test through Occupational Health.

icon denoting tax treatment Tax treatment [3]

See safety guidance [4] for display screen equipment on the Health & Safety web pages. Where approved by Occupational Health, the voucher covers the cost of an eye test and up to £50 towards the cost of glasses prescribed specifically for VDU use.

Refer to the Occupational Health webpage [5] on eye tests.

Medical insurance, medical treatment, counselling, gym membership, childcare

The University will not reimburse any expenses associated with these categories.

icon denoting tax treatment Tax treatment [6]

If, in exceptional circumstances, the University does agree to reimburse such costs, the Employment Tax section [7] must be consulted to consider potential tax implications.

Latest version updated 28 Feb 2025, effective 1 Mar 2025