How to attract staff as inflation soars? A nice fat bonus helps

Private firms are turning to creative hiring methods, but public sector workers are missing out

Average wage growth in Britain is not keeping pace with inflation, leaving workers facing the biggest annual fall in living standards since records began in the 1950s.

Some employers, however, are ramping up bonuses in an attempt to lure new recruits and retain existing staff, as record job vacancies intensify the battle for talent and companies work to support staff hit by dwindling spending power.