PEOPLE on higher incomes are less likely to dig deep for charity than the low paid, a study by a Hampshire university has found.

Research carried out by University of Southampton researchers revealed that higher earners are less likely to give, and donate a smaller share of their money compared to those on lower incomes.

The study, which was funded by Economic and Social Research Council, was carried out by Dr Mirco Tonin and Dr Michael Vlassopoulos.

It took a sample of more than 100 people and also revealed those on bumper bonuses put their windfalls down to their own hard work, even if it was actually just down to good luck.

The study suggests that charities should not target their effort towards high earners and disregard low earners, but rather spread their effort across the whole of society.