Benefits Package for Quallies

The UK's Association for Qualitative Research (AQR) has announced the launch of a comprehensive benefits package for its members, including dedicated employment insurance cover, preferential hotel rates, and a health insurance scheme. Members can pick and choose from the benefits on offer.

A variety of different service providers have agreed deals with the Association, which is effectively using its collective bargaining power to get members in smaller companies the kind of benefits usually associated only with larger employers, according to AQR Chair Fiona Jack. 'The majority of qualitative researchers are self-employed or work within small agencies, meaning they are not eligible for bulk-booking discounts offered to members of larger organisations. Luxuries such as private health insurance or reduced rates for hotel rooms for work are simply unavailable'.

As an example the employment insurance, provided by Lark Insurance Services, has been tailored to match qualitative researchers' working habits, which usually involve a lot of travelling, working in private houses and significant interaction with the public.

To help administer the deals the Association has introduced a new membership card: members who buy into any of the benefits will use this to identify themselves when claiming discounted rates.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.