UK government defends bonuses paid to staff of collapsed firm Bulb

Energy company effectively nationalised as part of bailout that could cost taxpayers 2.2bn

The UK government has defended a decision to pay millions of pounds in bonuses to staff at the collapsed energy supplier Bulb, despite the fact that it has been effectively nationalised as part of a bailout that could cost taxpayers 2.2bn.

Quarterly retention bonuses" were deemed necessary to prevent an exodus of staff that could have scuppered efforts to keep the business afloat while a buyer is found, multiple sources familiar with the situation said.