ITV bonus changes

Changes have been made to this year's ITV staff bonus scheme to address problems highlighted by BECTU.

ITV's Group HR Director Philippa Hird has apologised to ITV staff following problems with the administration of the scheme.

The scheme, now in its second year, is made up of a £303 cash payment and a grant of £500 worth of company shares.

ITV's share registrar Capita failed to send out the share certificates in time for the first free share dealing deadline of 10 May due to "technical difficulties".

This potentially would have deprived staff of the opportunity to sell shares immediately to offset tax.

ITV have now said the free dealing period will be extended to 21 June and have suspended the deduction of income tax and national insurance until June's pay.

BECTU Supervisory Official Sharon Elliot said: "We are pleased with this outcome as staff had experienced considerable anxiety over this issue.

"It is important that staff's monthly finances are not unsettled and that staff are given ample time and opportunity to act on what should have been good new from ITV".