Subsidy cutbacks hit staff meal prices

by Nigel Bartlett

The average spend in staff restaurants has risen by nearly 50% in the past three years, according to a survey of 1,000 people carried out for contract caterer Compass.

The survey, published in the 1994 Lunchtime Report, found that those with access to a staff restaurant now paid an average of £1.26 for a lunchtime meal compared with 86p in 1991.

The rise, at 46%, is far more dramatic than the increase for workers as a whole. The average across all those questioned in the survey now stands at £1.40, a rise of 26% over 1991's £1.11. In London a lower rise of 15% was recorded, from £1.49 to £1.72.

Reductions in subsidies for staff restaurants clearly lie behind the rise. Clive Grundy, UK development director for the Compass Group, said the recession had forced many companies to reduce subsidies, but added that £1.26 was still good value for money.

The survey was carried out in October by Research Services of Great Britain. Among its other findings are that the average worker's lunchbreak is getting shorter. Just over half the respondents took 30 minutes or less for lunch, compared with 39% when the survey was first carried out four years ago. Those taking between 30 minutes and an hour have dropped from 55% to 47%.

Younger people have a more carefree attitude, with just over half of 16- to 24-year-olds taking an hour or more. They are also the most likely group to eat a hot meal at lunchtime, with 28% of younger people having their main meal in the middle of the day.

This compares with just 12% of the working population as a whole, while those with access to a staff restaurant are only marginally more likely to eat a main meal at lunchtime, with 14% stating this as their daily habit.

There has been little change over four years in what people enjoy eating at lunchtime. Respondents were asked to name three favourite foods: top of the list were sandwiches and filled rolls, quoted by 60% of those questioned. Traditional English food, such as steak and kidney pie, was cited by 20%, while jacket potatoes, salad and pasta dishes scored 19%, 16% and 14% respectively.

Compass said these findings were consistent with those of its 1990 Lunchtime Report, although in London vegetarian choices have gained in popularity. These days 8% of people would choose meat-free options, compared with 5% four years ago.

• The 1994/95 Lunchtime Report is available free of charge from Jane Crocker on 0181-741 1541.