Cannons Group, the operator of Cannons Health and Fitness Clubs and Courtneys leisure centres, has introduced a suite of voluntary benefits for its 3,500 staff.

It has included an employer-paid employee assistance programme, offering counselling and legal help to employees, a healthcare cash plan, private medical insurance and personal hospital policies at discounted rates.

A range of retail and holiday vouchers, travel insurance and motoring deals have also been made available.

Helen Maddin, head of marketing at Cannons Group, said the firm wanted a wide range of choice for employees at the fitness firm's 63 sites nationally.

"We need to reward and recognise our team members and this is a good way of getting this across to all, while recognising their different needs," she said.

Personal Group, which implemented the scheme, also communicated it to staff through briefings.