Some thought bankers’ bonuses were out of touch with reality. But now Goldman Sachs has attempted to diffuse public anger with plans to remunerate employees for 2010 with supermarket loyalty card points, according to recruitment website eFinancialCareers.

After careful consideration of cash alternatives, the US firm decided that Nectar Points - a UK loyalty rewards scheme - would be most appropriate. The points are readily redeemable at over 400 stores including Sainsbury's, Amazon, Argos, Apple, and Gala Bingo. Five hundred points are worth £2.50. Goldman Sachs is thought ready to start paying out in the millions, with average bonuses of 200m points.