Hidden extras

There's more to consider than the basic rate of pay when looking for an employer, and perks are a key part of the job in hospitality. Sara Guild found out what's on offer.

The exhibitors at the show all have one thing in common: they are looking for enthusiastic, quality staff to join their companies. But can they entice you to work for them? Besides a basic salary, many of the employers have a package of benefits and extras that may tip the balance in their favour.

Accor UK and Ireland Hotels

Stay 12 months with the company and you become eligible for Accor's contributory pension scheme. Mid-level management, such as food and beverage managers and assistant managers, get private healthcare insurance.

In addition, a year's service gets you an Accor Card, offering a 50% discount at Accor hotels worldwide, which could certainly be a bonus come holiday season.

All employees immediately qualify for the company's link to Accor Services, which provides vouchers for lunches and eyecare, among other benefits. This means your next eye test could be paid for by the company, along with any corrective eyewear needed.

Accor is launching its Web site at the show, which will make it easier for internal candidates to access vacancies and move internally. Staff must remain at one property for 18 months before moving, but it means you could start in Northampton and by summer 2003 have a posting in sunny Spain.

Compass

All employees receive a discount card offering 40% off in Travelodge hotels and 25% in Compass's other public catering outlets, such as Moto, Upper Crust and Little Chef. There are also deals with third parties giving low-cost travel insurance, discounts on home appliances (Hotpoint, Creda), up to 12.5% discount on TV, video and DVD purchases with BoxClever, no joining fee at David Lloyd fitness clubs, discounts at Vision Express and a range of low-cost insurance, health and finance plans, services and advice.

After six months, employees can join the savings-related share option scheme (ShareSave), usually offered every year.

Senior managers qualify for additional benefits, such as contributory pension scheme, private healthcare and company cars.

Groupe Chez Gérard

All meals on duty are provided, and waiting staff are given uniforms. Kitchen staff uniforms are laundered free of charge. The company provides a stakeholder pension, as required by law, and there is a health scheme which employees can pay into if they wish.

After six months' employment, all staff receive a Staff Advantage card, allowing them and three friends a discount of 70%, on food only, at any of the restaurants.

For number-two positions, such as assistant managers, the company pays for healthcare and life assurance. General managers and head chefs get an amount equal to 3% of their salary paid into a pension.

Groupe Chez Gérard has just become NVQ-accredited, so staff can now complete their qualifications in-house without the need for day-release studies at college.

Hilton Hotels (London region)

Three months as an employee gets you into the Esprit club, with discounts of up to 80% on accommodation around the UK and overseas for yourself, family and friends. There's also 50% off food and beverages during that stay. On top of this, you can expect discounts on airfares and car hire.

Six months after joining, you can start contributing to a pay-as-you-earn scheme, which in three or five years allows you to use the money to buy shares in Hilton.

Stay for a year and you can buy Hilton shares directly at an agreed employee rate. You'll also be eligible to join the pension scheme. Employees make their own contribution, but Hilton puts in funds too. There are two healthcare schemes to choose from, both offered to employees at a discount.

Career opportunities are good, with employees being able to transfer to another UKproperty, or a Hilton hotel in any of 70 countries, after a year of service.

Jurys Doyle

The staff benefits package, which is currently under review, offers pension and healthcare schemes. The company is particularly keen on training, and staff can expect access to internal and external courses. There are discounts with the airline, BMI British Midland, and for stays at other Jurys Doyle hotels.

The company has hotels in Ireland and the USA as well as the UK, and is particularly keen on promotion from within, so there's a chance to travel here.

Radisson Edwardian

A contributory pension from day one with the company putting in the equivalent of 1% of your salary for every year you stay with them, up to 5%, is just one of the perks from this hotel group.

Employees get discounts of 50% on food and drink, and stays within the company's 10 London properties. Hotel gyms are also open to staff. After a year's service there is life cover, and senior management can expect a free healthcare programme. Employees are encouraged to spend six to nine months in one job position, but then internal transfers are encouraged. A stint in India is also a possibility after a year, as Radisson Edwardian has an exchange programme with a college there.

Loyalty is rewarded with an extra day's holiday for every three years at the company.

Red Carnation Hotels

As a privately owned company, Red Carnation Hotels offers the personal touch - owner Bea Tollman gave each of the 500 staff a Christmas gift and personal card last year.

Uniforms are dry-cleaned for staff, meals on duty are supplied, and there's a 50% discount with Green Flag for car insurance.

If exercising is your thing, the company has 40% discounts at London-based LA Fitness clubs. If your feet are sore after a long day, the hotel chain has subsidised chiropodist services, costing only £3.50 per visit.

Finding somewhere warm for the winter holiday shouldn't be a problem. Staff can stay at the company's four-star Chesterfield hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, with an 80% discount on the room. Staff and their families can also stay at any of the London properties for £50 per night, including breakfast.

After six months, there's a free healthcare scheme, and heads of departments have a pension scheme after a year's service. The company matches employee contributions of up to 6% of their salary.

Regent Inns

Three months' service entitles staff to pension and healthcare schemes. The company also prides itself on its structured training plan. One year in and you're eligible for the save-as-you-earn scheme. Managers are usually on a bonus scheme. But there are no company discounts, so don't expect free beer!

Starbucks

After three months, employees are eligible to buy shares at a price that's set for up to 10 years in the future. Another way of buying stock is through the share-save plan. After making regular contributions, staff can buy Starbucks stock at a discounted price and gain an additional tax-free bonus, providing certain criteria are met. Employees also get life assurance.

All staff receive 30% discount on Starbucks beverages, brewing equipment and accessories, and a free weekly benefit of Starbucks whole-bean coffee.

Higher up the ladder, assistant store managers, store managers and district managers enjoy quarterly bonuses based on goals and targets. District managers also receive a cash car allowance and the chance to choose from private medical care, dental care, permanent health insurance, group personal pension plan, gym membership and travel insurance, based on a percentage of salary.