UK plc bosses see payouts soar 187% in eight years

Average bonuses for directors of FTSE 350 companies soared by 187% since 2002, despite companies' share prices failing to follow suit, a new report has revealed.

The High Pay Commission said in a study released today executives have seen payouts rocket, without a corresponding move in year-end share prices which have declined by 71% over the period. FTSE 100 companies were among the most generous at dishing out rewards, with bosses paid on average nearly £4.5m each last year alone after a sharp jump in profits paid out on share options, and an increase in long-term incentive plans. The figure is nearly double 2009's average payout of £2.9m, and well in advance of the move in the share prices of leading companies. Commission chairman Deborah...