numerous contract types that were dictated primarily by the salary they had to offer. There were standard contracts that followed the general scales.
Then came (late 80's) definite contracts that allowed QP to rcruit above mid-point. Finally (early 90's), there were special contracts that allowed QP to recruit outside the scales.
Housing and transport (depending on the job's needs) for definite (fixed term) and "special" contracts was frequently provided due to the fixed term nature of the contracts.