UK investors fear 'dangerous precedent' set by Jeremy Corbyn's share-grab policy

Concerns over plan to hand company shares to employees

clock • 2 min read

A high-profile Labour Party policy that would cost investors an estimated £340bn and hand shares in UK companies to employees would set a "worrying precedent" and damage the UK's reputation as an attractive destination for international investors, fund managers have warned.

A Jeremy Corbyn-led government has said it would require 10% of shares in all UK companies with more than 250 employees to be owned by so-called inclusive ownership funds (IOF).  The IOFs would pay dividends, of up to £500 each, to employees, with the balance being paid to the government in what has been dubbed a stealth tax by critics. Analysis of the plans by law firm Clifford Chance estimates the policy could cost investors around £340bn in lost capital. The dividend payments would amount to £10bn annually, with 90%, or £9bn, of that going straight to the government. Clifford Ch...

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 Investment

Why non-transparent managers are behind most failed acquisitions

Why non-transparent managers are behind most failed acquisitions

‘They don’t understand the importance of culture and cohesion’

Rami Cassis
clock 12 April 2024 • 3 min read
Partner Insight: Understanding the investment universe

Partner Insight: Understanding the investment universe

Invesco
clock 12 April 2024 • 6 min read
FCA issues warning notice to Neil Woodford over liquidity failings

FCA issues warning notice to Neil Woodford over liquidity failings

The firm failed on four accounts between 2018 and 2019

James Baxter-Derrington
clock 11 April 2024 • 2 min read