Chairman Sidney Bobb insisted the move is not a reaction to shrinking membership. He said: "We have no problem with recruitment. This is so that people can taste the benefits we are offering. It's a no-brainer."

Membership, which usually costs 50 per annum, offers access to helplines on health and safety, human resources, an insurance scheme, newsletter and free, 24-hour legal advice.

"That's got to be worth 50 in anyone's wallet," Bobb added. "Also, we're not the most attractive of stands. People want to see the machines. The money's almost an irrelevance. We believe everyone should belong to an organisation of some sort."

The offer is open only to new members.