Companies are losing candidates to rival firms because they fail to communicate the value of their benefits package, a survey from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has found.

It says the average non-cash benefits to employees is 15% of their salary, while senior executives can expect benefits worth the equivalent of 30% of their salary. The CIPD says despite the values of these extras, too many employers undersell them to potential employees.

Adrian Hitchenor, chief executive of Hitchenor Wakeford Search & Selection, said: “Many candidates are reluctant to ask about benefits in detail at interview stage so it is up to employers to discuss this along with the salary.

“In many cases the extras on offer can be a dealmaker and can secure the best person for the jobs,” he added.