Some fast-growing internet companies have complained that these costs could make the difference between success and failure when they are battling for a foothold in a highly competitive field. We are doing this so that those who build their careers with us will be able to share in the wealth created by the firm. If such potential rewards are not on offer in the UK, they are elsewhere and it is not difficult to work out where many of those key people will go. Andersen Consulting is also extending access to its partnership ranks, creating more than 1,000 new partners worldwide this year. The chancellor is under pressure, however, because the issue has been picked up by the Conservatives, who have promised to help companies offer lucrative share option schemes if elected at the next general election.
Share options are the answer.
This is seen by some as a little rich, as it was the Conservative Chancellor Kenneth Clarke who slapped the 30,000 ceiling on approved share option schemes, which are free of National Insurance charges. Whatever Mr Brown comes up with, it will be difficult to solve the problem completely and a compromise is likely, such as deferring the payment or allowing it to be made in instalments. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Links to other Business stories are at the foot of the page.