'Grand titles, but no more pay'

Workers are being given posh new job titles instead of pay rises, according to a report.

A toilet cleaner has become a 'technical sanitation assistant', while a window cleaner is actually an 'optical illuminator enhancer'.

Firms are using the so-called 'up-titling' to motivate and retain staff when budgets are tight.

Titles such as director, head, or chief are also increasingly being used, according to the reed.co.uk survey of 1,700 workers.

Half of those polled say a new job title improved their happiness at work, although a similar number thought it had no impact.

Some workers believe a job title is a good career step and helps raise their profile within an organisation.

Reed found in some cases titles gave recognition for important contributions to a company - for instance a receptionist being made head of verbal communications, and a secretary being made senior corporate events and seminars manager.

A Reed spokesman said: "People view a grander title as recognition of their contribution to the organisation and feel more committed as a result.

He added: This is especially valuable at a time of economic uncertainty where money may be tight but retaining top talent is more important to company success than ever."