Flexible working hours was the most popular benefit chosen by 61% of those questioned in a recent survey.

Out of 12 potential benefits, people were asked to choose - and rank according to importance - five that would be most influential in a decision to join a new company.

Holiday allowance was the second most popular choice (57%), followed closely by health iInsurance (56%), a contributory pension (47%) and life insurance (44%).

Remote working, share option/ profit share, maternity, paternity and adoption policies, a company car policy, a charitable ethos and a discounted gym membership were benefits considered the least important when choosing a new job.

Only 8% of respondents voted for a company bar tab.

The survey of 400 people and was conducted at The National Engineering Recruitment Exhibition (NER) and National Construction Recruitment Exhibition (NCR).