The Register of Exercise Professionals’ (REPs) Working in Fitness 2004 survey has shown that three out of four fitness professionals would recommend their employer to a friend, but it also found that poor and arbitrary terms and conditions – especially among men and women at the same level – remain a major concern.

Other findings from the survey – carried out by Leisure-net Solutions and analysed by SkillsActive – showed that nine out of 10 people plan to remain in the industry for the next three years.

This high level of job satisfaction was attributed by REPs’ registrar Cliff Collins to the fact that many people now enter the industry aware of the prospects on offer and are looking for a career, rather than a transitory job.

However, 55 per cent of those questioned said low pay would make them consider leaving the industry – just 22 per cent of respondents earn more than £20,000 per year.

Disparity was also shown in the conditions and benefits offered to instructors and trainers versus managers, as managers were more likely to have had a pay increase in the last year, to have received a bonus and to have their training paid for by their employer. Pay inequality between men and women in the same job was highlighted, as was the disproportionate level of men in senior positions.

The findings also showed that just 41 per cent of private sector employees received a pay increase in the last year compared to 70 per cent in the public sector. Collins said this was due to the public sector playing “catch-up” to match private sector salaries.

Collins said that while the findings show most workers are happy with their work, dissatisfaction about remuneration packages and career development as well as gender discrepancies must be addressed. For a copy of the report call +44 (0)20 7632 2000