More than half of employers will pay a holiday bonus at the end of the year, but no firm will give a full month's pay on top, a survey by the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA) shows.

Staff at 51% of firms will get a bonus of up to 50% of monthly pay, or at most half a month's salary. The survey found no bonuses between 50% and 100% of pay, and none above a full salary. Another 2% of companies will give their teams vouchers or company gifts.

In 44% of firms there is no room for extra holiday money, and staff will get nothing on top of their pay. The BIA says the hard economic situation, rising prices and high energy costs hold some employers back. The chamber says that with a shortage of workers and low unemployment, many managers look for money for bonuses, if profit allows, because staff are a valuable resource. Some firms are still working out whether they can offer extra perks, and 2 in 100 have not decided.

Zhasmina Sarayivanova says bonuses keep workers, show the employer's good will and encourage staff, who see them as recognition of their work.

A manager at a company that traditionally pays extra at the end of the year said the bonus there is about one salary. It depends on the months worked in the year and, in part, on the employee's own performance. Managers say the money will be found through good cost control, and that firms pay bonuses because they value their people.

A sales assistant at a children's toy chain also counts on a Christmas bonus. She says the money supports the family when costs are rising, inflation is high and prices are now in euro, and it will go on gifts for the children and the family.