KENT employers in both the public and private sectors are being offered the opportunity to access some of the most up-to-date and comprehensive data on workforce pay and conditions.

Now in its 10th year, the Kent Pay and Benefits Survey 2005 will be the most ambitious yet and, for the first time, offers employers the chance to take part online.

The survey is conducted by Kent recruitment agency New Appointments Group.

Chairman Gerry Cassell said: "There is nothing to compare with the Kent Pay and Benefits Survey for information about the labour market in Kent.

"It is, quite simply, the biggest and best of its kind, is packed full of information and can be used as an effective management tool – helping employers to design their pay and benefits policies in order to attract, retain and motivate staff.

"Armed with this data, employers can readily check whether they are paying too much and putting themselves at a competitive disadvantage – or too little, in which case they risk suffering from high staff turnover and all the costs that entails.

"With the results available from mid-October the survey helps employers plan their annual salary review, which is often conducted in January."

Any employer in the county can sign up by visiting www.kentpayandbenefits.co.uk, registering and then completing the online questionnaire.

Information supplied is secure and confidential. NAG’s pay and benefits team ensure that jobs are compared on a like-for-like basis.

Participants can also complete questionnaires as a Word document or can request a one-to-one meeting with one of the survey researchers.

Mr Cassell added: "We want to make the process as easy as possible thus encouraging maximum participation so that we achieve a very robust statistical base for the survey."

The Kent Pay and Benefits Survey can be analysed by business sector, sales turnover and geographical location.

As well as salary comparisons, the data also includes levels of other employee benefits, together with a projection on economic activity in Kent.

To take part, visit www.kentpayandbenefits.co.uk, email pay&ben@newappointmentsgroup.co.uk or call 01795 416607.