Most of us can surely only marvel at the sheer volume of money paid out to top flight workers in the City following a good year.

For a select few premier performing investment bankers, annual bonuses can run into millions.

But even those who earn more modest salaries can expect handsome rewards. Someone earning between £150,000 and £200,000 can often double or treble their salaries during the early part of a new year, when bonuses are traditionally paid.