Bonus payment for referring a friend for a job - would you share it?!

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A few months ago, a colleague in another team mentioned that they were recruiting for a role. I said I might know someone suitable.

I spoke to a friend and she was really keen so I forwarded her CV. Fast-forward and she got the job with a decent pay bump over her previous salary. Really pleased for her!

It turns out I am going to get a referral bonus of £2000. I wasn’t aware of this when I referred her because I’ve only been there a short time myself.

So, my question is - if you were my friend, how would you feel about my windfall? TBH I am planning to keep it, but thinking maybe I’ll take her out for a little celebration, my treat? 🥂

Would love to hear perspectives.

YABU - share it you selfish cow
YANBU - it’s all yours!

Yep, I'd keep it. Presumably she could also refer someone and get the 2k in the future as she now works for the same company

I was in this position and shared £1000 equally, but my friend was on a much lower wage than me. Had she been on a higher wage than me I think I would have just taken her out for lunch.

Nope I didn’t share mine when I got £5k for referring someone. After tax, NI and pension there wasn’t a lot left

i took him out for a nice meal although that was more of a celebration of us working for the same firm again

if they ask (I’m sure they won’t) tell them you want 10% of their pay increase a month

You got the bonus for referring her. She hit her much wanted job because you referred her.

a job is a much bigger win than the bonus.

id she sharing her pay with you?

I can’t imagine why you’d think you need to share it in any circumstances - it’s a scheme the company run and you met the criteria. My company has a similar scheme, I was recruited into the company on a colleague’s recommendation, I hope he got the bonus and it’s none of my business if he did or didn’t. Enjoy your bonus!

It’s the done thing where I am to share the referral bonus.

You will have to pay tax and NI on it so may be less thsn you think. It also might push you into a higher tax bracket for the month too so you might be waiting until next year for a rebate. If you have any outstanding student loans, they will get a share. Possibly paying pension contributions on it too? I was really disappointed when I got about 36% of a bonus in my take home pay once.

I’d probably mention there is a bonus and take for a nice lunch to celebrate, she could recommend someone in the future and do the same.

Totally hear this! Bonuses and pay rises sound amazing until you factor in all the deductions and realise the net amount 😩😩

Thanks all - appreciate the insights and based on the vote I feel okay to stick with my original plan. There were a few people who said they would share (very generous!), but hoping my friend is one of the people who would be in the same camp as the majority and not expect it. I’m looking forward to a night out with her to celebrate her new job and the fact we get to work together which is nice 😊

I would be buying you a lunch as your friend, not vice versa tbh.

That’s mad. She got a job with a pay rise because of you - is she going to share that?