In this issue we present the third article in our four-part overview of benefits and allowances in 2009, providing invaluable benchmarking data on employers' provision of travel and subsistence benefits.

Company car provision has almost doubled among respondents to our survey over the past year, rising from 23.8% in 2008 to 46.9% in 2009. But car allowances nonetheless continue to motor ahead of company cars in terms of popularity, being offered by nearly three-fifths (58%) of those surveyed.

Other benefits covered by this article include: mileage rates; allowances for meals and for overnight stays; and season ticket loans.

Elsewhere, CBI research finds that more than half (55%) of employers plan to freeze pay at the next pay round - but the CBI argues that this is not necessarily a bad thing.

Other top stories in this issue include:

• IT staff pay growth slumps to 40-year low as recession bites
• Finance professionals enjoy inflation-busting pay rises in 2009

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to take part in the 2009 IRS survey of performance-related pay. Taking part in this survey will provide you with essential benchmarking data on and insights into the benefits and pitfalls of paying for performance.

Michael Carty
Benchmarking Editor
XpertHR

Pay reports recently added to the site:

Bristol Water: 1.5% basic increase

Seagate: 10% pay cut for salaried staff

Welsh Assembly Government: 3.2% paybill increase

Pay review update: 10 July 2009

The latest pay review update table includes details of the annual pay awards at Asda, First Direct, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Virgin West Coast and many more.

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Statistics and forecasts

The datafile provides comprehensive and up-to-date inflation, earnings and labour market statistics, alongside pay settlement data and inflation and earnings forecasts. Inflation is expected to return to positive territory as economic growth recovers in 2010, while average earnings will see slow but consistent growth.

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From the blog

Launched and run by the editorial team that produces XpertHR and the IRS e-journals, the Employment Intelligence blog is regularly updated with news, comment and links to the latest employment developments. Recent posts include:

• Are health-related benefits still fit for purpose in 2009?
• XpertHR voted business media brand of the year in 2009 PPA awards
• Economic outlook July 2009: Keep on the sunny side?
• Most UK workers enjoy inflation-busting pay awards, despite recession

Today's tip: daily updates

If you want to keep tabs on a particular topic or just can’t wait for the next Pay and Benefits Bulletin, sign up for an XpertHR daily update. Go to My Preferences and choose what interests you. Each day we add new articles, an email will be sent to you.

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