WITH employee-satisfaction high on the agenda for many of the south's bosses, more companies are looking into what 'perks' can keep their staff loyal.

Firms complain they are spending thousands of pounds training new staff, only to lose them to competitors.

Now Southampton FC are the latest company to set out to capture the growing market in providing staff incentives.

The Saints hope a special membership scheme for the club will allow firms to offer their workforces the chance to save hundreds of pounds in the shops.

The Premiership club is spearheading a drive that would see member employees spending up to 70 per cent less on a wide range of goods and services.

The Saints Club Membership Scheme, which already has 50,000 people on its books, offers discount benefits worth hundreds of pounds, as well as preferential access to match tickets.

The club, whose holding company Southampton Leisure Holdings made £2.9m annual profits on a turnover of nearly £50m, normally charges £20 a year for membership to the scheme.

It is offering "preferential rates" to local businesses on payment of an annual management fee, which is dependent on staff numbers.

Participating outlets in and around Southampton include florists, hairdressers, restaurants, garages, hotels, dry cleaners and clothes shops.

Big-name brands that offer discounts include PC World, The Body Shop, Pizza Hut, TGI Friday's, Toni&Guy, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Madame Tussauds.

All retailers linked to the scheme display a "Support Local Sport" sticker on their windows.

According to the club, VAT can be reclaimed and the management fee might be tax deductible.

Steve Davies, the club's head of sales and marketing, said: "Businesses will benefit from a preferential rate for Saints Club membership and can give something back to their employees, which will add real benefit to them as they go about their everyday life."