Ikea staff get on their bikes

THE 9000 UK employees of Swedish furniture giant Ikea have been given a folding bike as their Christmas present from the firm.

The Ikea-branded bikes were presented to staff at special Christmas breakfast events at each store, including the one in Straiton.

In a bid to cut down on the number of people who drive to and from work, every employee will also be eligible for 15 per cent subsidised travel tickets to encourage them to use public transport.

Ikea UK manager, Peter Hogsted, said: "The bike is a fun present but there is a serious message."