Can apprentices join the cycle to work scheme?
Anyone over the age of 16 who is paid through PAYE and exceeds the National Minimum Wage is eligible to participate in the cycle to work scheme. The amount that can be applied for is dependent on earnings. For example, a £300 bike may be affordable but a £700 bike may not. The aspect that decides this is whether or not the individuals' salary dips below National Living / Minimum wage as a result of the cycle to work salary sacrifice. The same rule applies for all participants (in that their salary sacrifice deductions cannot take them below National Minimum / Living wage) - but the effect of this may be more pronounced for apprentices.
If you earn just over the National Minimum / Living wage, your employer could help you participate in Cyclescheme by offering a longer salary sacrifice period – for example, running the scheme over 18, 24 or 36 months instead of 12.
Helping hand ✋
For more information on using the scheme when you earn National Minimum / Living wage, view our answer 'I earn National Minimum (or Living) Wage - how can I participate?'.