How can we justify having UK expats in Houston during a massive layoff? I get it, the base salary is roughly 70% of US payroll at the same PSG. However, when you add up the other benefits of UK payroll (eg. car allowance, 20+% contribution to pension scheme, and monthly stock share grants), the cost to company is about the same as a US payroll employee... If that person were in the UK (it's actually higher when you factor employer tax).... but they always complain about their salaries being lower...Since operated assets are sold and NOJV is being sold, only remaining option was CTC Aberdeen but with ENGINE that is going away so basically it is expat or nothing.
Now you bring them to the US as an expat throw in 10% salary premium, goods and services allowance (few grand a month depending on family size), HUE, annual trips, all of which is tax equalized.... Now it becomes completely unjustified... especially when there is nothing in the UK to return to and particularly during a downsizing situation.
I get it SOME are high performers, but it is about the same proportion and US employees. If there were any common sense you get rid of UK payroll entirely, eliminate the deadwood, and the ones worth keeping should be switched to US or US global offshore payroll. This will save some serious $$ as it will no longer be so lucrative which of course would result in natural attrition. Yes, it may be a relatively small number of people affected, but every BU needs to do their part, right?