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UK firms make one-off inflation payments

A second UK law firm has announced that it will make a one-off payment to its lower earners to help with the increased cost of living.

According to the Law Society Gazette of England and Wales, Bird & Bird in London will pay a one-off £1,000 bonus this month to all staff on an annual salary of less than £50,000.

The Gazette says that the move is set to benefit more than 300 Bird & Bird employees – including business-support staff, trainees, and those in more junior business services.

Salaries adjusted

Payments are in addition to the firm’s latest salary adjustment for inflation and usual bonus payments.

The Gazette reports that Bird & Bird is the second law firm to take such action to help deal with the rising cost of food and fuel.

In April, Irwin Mitchell gave £900 to all staff below partner level, outside any normal pay review or bonus calculations.

In February, Bird & Bird increased pay for newly qualified solicitors from £71,000 to £88,000, while first-year trainees earn £45,000, and second-year trainees receive £50,000.