A Bradford travel company has become the first firm in the UK to sign up to a new health care plan to help its staff with healthcare bills and free access to specialist advice.

Staff at Gazelle Travel, in North Parade, Bradford, are now covered by the Go-Active health plan from not-for-profit organisation Sovereign Healthcare, based in Manningham Lane, Bradford.

The plan is designed to help employers tackle recruitment and retention issues and to manage absence in the workplace.

The scheme provides cash benefits for staff, including money back on bills from their optician, dentist and other healthcare bodies, for a monthly payment from their employer of £5.

It also helps staff in times of worry by securing free access to confidential specialist advice on a wide range of life issues, including financial, legal, relationships, family care, work and medical advice.

Jamil Malik, group director of Gazelle Travel, said: "I had heard favourable reports about Sovereign Health Care, who are also based in Bradford, so when I was approached by a member of their sales team I was happy to look at the Go Active plan.

"I think it's vitally important to invest in the health and well-being of staff wherever possible and Sovereign made it so easy for us to do that. They sent two representatives to our offices to explain the plan and its associated benefits. The feedback from staff was excellent.

"Of particular interest to us was the optical cover offered. Our staff spend a lot of time at their computer screens, so we are keen to look after their eyesight and meet Duty of Care and Health Safety regulations by ensuring they have their eyes tested regularly."

David Lewis, chief executive of Sovereign Healthcare, said the Go-Active plan took five months to develop and will be supported by a seven-month advertising campaign.