According to the latest report from statistics body Statec, published on Friday, in 2018 18% benefited from lunch vouchers (chèques répas), free food or a cantine, 8% from a company car (for private use), 5% free transport or parking, and 4% free phone or subsidized phone/internet costs. Overall, these perks made up 1.4% on average of total pay.

The most-likely to benefit from in-kind payments were those employed in executive roles (48%), people working in highly qualified positions (40%) and mid-level roles (33%). People working in a supervisory or managerial role (41%) were also more likely to benefit, as were those working in the services sector (28%), and in finance and insurance (45%).

Benefits were more predominant among workers employed at companies with 50 or more staff (29%), and for those on a permanent (CDI) contract.

As a proportion of earnings, payment in kind was most marked among people employed in finance/insurance, real estate, scientific and technical roles and administrative support, where it made up 2.5% of earnings.