An online poll of IT staff conducted by The Training Camp has found that training is by far the most valued benefit.

Of the 100 IT professionals surveyed, 51% said training subsidies were more important to them than employer pension contributions and even bonus payments.

When asked to rate benefits of least worth, 28% singled out gym and health club membership, just behind travel insurance cover at 32%.

"The clear conclusion to be drawn from the results is that most staff are far more motivated by the desire to keep their professional skills up-to-date than their bank account in credit or muscles toned," said Robert Chapman, co-founder of The Training Camp UK. "Bosses worried that key workers will defect, armed with their newly acquired skills, to a key competitor need not be overly concerned. According to our survey, 75% of respondents that have received advanced training stayed loyal to their current employer".