STROPPY staff beware!

Customers in Huddersfield can now get paid to complain about poor service.

Taylor Hill-based firm The Leadership Factor has set up a website for disgruntled - or delighted - customers to make comments about the service they get from shop assistants, call centre workers or council staff.

The website at www.yoursaypays.co.uk pays visitors to take part in market research, which is used to assess customer service across a wide range of sectors.

By registering online people join a customers' panel and receive surveys which they are invited to complete.

Panelists are paid 50p to £2 for each completed survey. They can choose to keep the money or give it to charity.

Nigel Hill, founder of The Leadership Factor, said: "Customers shouldn't have to tolerate poor service, but complaining can be time-consuming and stressful.

"Similarly, to encourage excellent customer service we should highlight those companies whose customers are very happy."

Mr Hill said the Your Say Pays website made it easy for customers to get their views across while rewarding them for their time.

The website also features advice, real-life articles on customer service issues and a blog for consumers to share their experiences.

Panelists will be sent short questionnaires every week, but they don't have to take part in every survey they receive.

All the information and opinions they give are strictly confidential.

The panelists will be notified whenever their 'earnings' total £20. They can opt to have the money put into an account of their choice or give it to one of five charities.

They are Red Cross, Age Concern, Cancer Research, the RNIB or the World Wildlife Fund.

Mr Hill said: "It is now the norm for consumers to stand up for their rights and Your Say Pays provides a platform.

"Firms benefit from customers' opinions, so they can make changes to improve service."

The Leadership Factor specialises in carrying out customer and employee satisfaction surveys for clients ranging from manufacturers and retailers to financial service firms and football clubs.

Mr Hill founded the firm in 1996.

It also has offices in the USA, Australia, France, Spain, Portugal, Singapore and Malaysia.