UK takes aim at excessive executive pay

Britain began consultations on encouraging better corporate behaviour and curbing excessive executive pay, part of UK prime minister Theresa May’s campaign to help those who voted for Brexit in protest at “out of touch” elites.

Ms May is walking a fine line, not wanting to attack business at a time when she needs companies’ support to prepare for Brexit but also trying to keep on board voters who want to leave the EU and are frustrated with growing inequality.

Taking aim at high executive pay, company boards and the behaviour of large, privately held businesses, her government will ask for opinions on questions such as: Should a new pay ratio reporting requirement be introduced?