'Insulting' | Firm's cost-of-living help met with outrage from staff - here's why

This year has been a time in which staff have relied on their businesses more than perhaps ever before in recent history, to help them with the skyrocketing cost of living, perhaps offer a warm space in which to work, and yes, in some cases, also provide food to make it through the tougher points in the year.

According to the ONS, annual food inflation hit 16.5% in November, the highest rate for over 45 years and up from 16.4% in October. As a result, the cost of even the most basic food essentials such as pasta, vegetables and milk have increased dramatically.

Responses from businesses have been varied. Some, such as Monzo, Asda, Tesco, Morrisons and even the King of England himself, have offered staff a one-off cost-of-living payment of up to £700. Many more have opted to raise wages in line with inflation. And, a select few, have opted to offer staff a supply of free food that they can take home, or eat on-site.

This last option is perhaps the most divisive. Yes, staff may well be grateful for a complimentary hot meal when times are tough; however gratitude can quickly turn to resentment when it becomes obvious that the offer was made more for good PR, than to actually make a difference.