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ARTICLE · 19 JUNE 2026

Reward Summer Update 2026

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This comprehensive update examines significant changes to UK employee share schemes and executive remuneration, including expanded eligibility for the Enterprise Management Incentive scheme, the introduction of PISCES trading platform for private company shares, and modifications to Employee Ownership Trust tax relief. The analysis covers recent tribunal decisions on employment status and proprietary estoppel claims, providing critical insights for companies managing employee equity compensation.

United KingdomEmployment and HR
Rasmus Berglund
Rasmus Berglund
Robert Collard
Robert Collard

Welcome to the summer 2026 edition of our Reward update in which we review the latest developments in executive remuneration and share plans.

Changes to the Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme

With effect from 6 April 2026, a number of changes have been made to the HMRC tax-advantaged EMI scheme.

Increases to company limits

First, larger companies will be eligible for the EMI scheme further to the increase to the following financial limits.

  • The employee limit has increased to 500 employees (from 250). This is the number of group employees including part-time employees and directors calculated on a Full-Time Equivalent basis and excluding employees on maternity or paternity leave or students on vocational training.

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