More than half of Dutch companies have reduced the secondary benefits enjoyed by their staff over the past three years or plan to do so, according to TNS Nipo research for the Financieele Dagblad.

One in three employers has already taken action and a further 20% plan to do so, the paper said. The most common reason given is that it is ‘too expensive’, the FD said.

A bonus month’s salary, company cars and travel expenses are the most likely to be cut. But bosses are also reducing spending on mobile phones, laptops and tablets.