Bord Gáis windfall, but not until 2011

IT will be close to three years before Bord Gáis’s 900 workers get their first windfall payment, following the acceptance of the setting up of an employee share ownership plan (Esop) this week. Of the workers, 96% voted in favour of setting up an Esop, which will give them an average windfall of over €36,300.

It will see them take a 3.27% stake in the firm.

But Bord Gáis confirmed it will be 2011 before workers receive a payout because the equity must be held in trust for three years to qualify for a tax exemption.