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Massive rise in top bosses' pay Massive rise in top bosses' pay
(about 7 hours later)
The average pay of the UK's top company bosses rose 43% last year, research by Incomes Data Services (IDS) has shown.The average pay of the UK's top company bosses rose 43% last year, research by Incomes Data Services (IDS) has shown.
The chief executives of the country's 100 largest listed companies earnt an average of £2.9m in 2005-6, up sharply from £2m the previous year. The chief executives of the country's 100 largest listed companies earned an average of £2.9m in 2005-6, up sharply from £2m the previous year.
It means that the typical boss earns 86 times more than a typical employee.It means that the typical boss earns 86 times more than a typical employee.
The report found that Sir Martin Sorrell, head of advertising firm WPP, was the highest paid, earning £17.1m in total remuneration.The report found that Sir Martin Sorrell, head of advertising firm WPP, was the highest paid, earning £17.1m in total remuneration.
Leadership skillsLeadership skills
Many top firms link executive pay directly to company performance.Many top firms link executive pay directly to company performance.
In many instances, the amount of bonuses or share options paid out is related to a firm's profitability or how its share price has performed.In many instances, the amount of bonuses or share options paid out is related to a firm's profitability or how its share price has performed.
One leading businessman said the leadership skills needed at the very highest level of industry were in short supply and proven, successful bosses were paid what they are worth.One leading businessman said the leadership skills needed at the very highest level of industry were in short supply and proven, successful bosses were paid what they are worth.
Top leaders should be well rewarded but fairly rewarded Brendan Barber, TUC general secretaryTop leaders should be well rewarded but fairly rewarded Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary
"We are in a competitive market for talent," said Paul Myners, former chairman of Marks & Spencer."We are in a competitive market for talent," said Paul Myners, former chairman of Marks & Spencer.
"Shareholders want the best management and if they have to bid up for that management they will.""Shareholders want the best management and if they have to bid up for that management they will."
But unions remain fiercely critical of big pay rises for senior executives, arguing that many staff at leading firms are getting pay increases in line with or just above inflation.But unions remain fiercely critical of big pay rises for senior executives, arguing that many staff at leading firms are getting pay increases in line with or just above inflation.
"Top leaders should be well rewarded but fairly rewarded," said Brendan Barber, the TUC's general secretary."Top leaders should be well rewarded but fairly rewarded," said Brendan Barber, the TUC's general secretary.
'Cashing in?''Cashing in?'
The IDS report found that the average basic salary of FTSE 100 bosses rose 9% to £730,796 last year.The IDS report found that the average basic salary of FTSE 100 bosses rose 9% to £730,796 last year.
BIG EARNERS Martin Sorrell(WPP):£17.1mMichael Davis(Xstrata):£15.3mBart Becht(Reckitt Benckiser):£13.6Richard Segal(Partygaming):£11.7mGiles Thorley(Punch Taverns):£10.6mSource: IDS Executive Compensation Review - 2005/6BIG EARNERS Martin Sorrell(WPP):£17.1mMichael Davis(Xstrata):£15.3mBart Becht(Reckitt Benckiser):£13.6Richard Segal(Partygaming):£11.7mGiles Thorley(Punch Taverns):£10.6mSource: IDS Executive Compensation Review - 2005/6
In addition, bosses received an average bonus of £771,173 and other financial benefits worth £51,167.In addition, bosses received an average bonus of £771,173 and other financial benefits worth £51,167.
Taking into account non-cash contributions such as share options and long term incentive plans, average total earnings rose to £2.88m.Taking into account non-cash contributions such as share options and long term incentive plans, average total earnings rose to £2.88m.
Besides Mr Sorrell, the report found the chief executives of mining firm Xstrata, drug giant Reckitt Benckiser and pub operator Punch Taverns and the former boss of Partygaming all earnt more than £10m each. Besides Mr Sorrell, the report found the chief executives of mining firm Xstrata, drug giant Reckitt Benckiser and pub operator Punch Taverns and the former boss of Partygaming all earned more than £10m each.
A similar report by accountants Deloitte earlier this month found that the average pay of bosses running the UK's top 350 listed firms rose by 28% last year.A similar report by accountants Deloitte earlier this month found that the average pay of bosses running the UK's top 350 listed firms rose by 28% last year.