Osborne's tax-free share plan could fall flat in Brussels

clock

Chancellor George Osborne's proposed tax-free share plan is set to face fierce opposition from European politicians, despite strong support at home.

Osborne's plan is to allow firms to offer staff up to £50,000 of tax-free shares in exchange for giving up rights on working hours and dismissals. However, the scheme is likely to come up against some resistance in Brussels as it disagrees with lawmakers efforts to make European employment rights inviolable, the Telegraph reports. Under the plan, shares would be exempt from capital gains tax at the time of being sold. The plan was described as "brave" and "innovative" by entrepreneurs and small business owners. It is a move to help promote small business growth, as well as give...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Why the lead-up to the Budget may have been worse than the Budget itself

Why the lead-up to the Budget may have been worse than the Budget itself

What Rachel Reeves and Dr Evil have in common

Laith Khalaf
clock 13 November 2024 • 4 min read
Bank of England meets expectations with 25 basis point rate cut to 4.75%

Bank of England meets expectations with 25 basis point rate cut to 4.75%

'Continued progress' on disinflation

Valeria Martinez
clock 07 November 2024 • 2 min read
'Budget will be a reset for our economy' Reeves tells IMF colleagues

'Budget will be a reset for our economy' Reeves tells IMF colleagues

Autumn Budget on 30 October

Linus Uhlig
clock 24 October 2024 • 2 min read