HIGHER earners are less inclined to give to charity, according to research by the University of Southampton.

The study was carried out by Dr Mirco Tonin and Dr Michael Vlassopoulos, economists at the university.

They tried to discover if higher earners were more likely to donate in an environment in which earnings is not dependent on performance, but on luck.

The study revealed how those who get higher bonuses often attribute the rewards to their own achievements as opposed to good fortune. Dr Tonin said: ‘‘Our findings suggest that receiving higher pay due to luck is not generating a stronger need to give back to society.’’ Participants were divided into two working groups; one group receiving a higher bonus. Both groups were then asked whether they wished to donate a share of their earnings to charity. The study showed that 37 per cent of those who received a low bonus gave a share to charity compared to 21 per cent in the high bonus group.