The sixth UK Working in Fitness Survey - the largest annual questionnaire of those working in the fitness industry - has been launched.

Conducted online by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) and SkillsActive, it is widely regarded by all those within the industry.

Liz Smith, research manager at SkillsActive, said: "In previous research for our Sector Skills Agreement we estimated an average 8,500 job openings a year in the fitness industry to meet staff turnover and the creation of new positions.

"One of the survey aims is to find out whether the industry is doing enough to attract new, as well as retain existing staff to meet these future demands."

Jean-Ann Marnoch, registrar of REPs, said: "It's really important that as many people take part as possible to get a good representation of jobs in the industry and to be able to identify issues at a local level.

"By representing your views we can show what the industry is doing well and where improvement is needed. For example, last year we found fitness professionals were positive about remaining in the industry but continuedto report a need for improvements in the areas of salary and career progression."

To take part in the survey visit: www.skilllsactive.com/wif09