UK investors can expect a drop in dividend payouts in 2022, according to an industry forecast, dashing hopes of a steady return to pre-pandemic levels. While many listed companies will raise dividends, if only modestly, groups such as miners, which made big one-off payments in 2021, are unlikely to hand out these special dividends again this year. 

What has been the trend in terms of companies paying special dividends and what have been the contributing factors to whether companies pay a special dividend?