Budget analysis: Employment taxes

Reduction in the top rate of income tax

Whilst undeniably a political hot potato the Chancellor risked alienating some of the electorate by reducing the top 50% rate of income tax. However he did not go as far as he could have and the reduction to 45% will only take effect from 2013. The measure has been justified as a boost to the UK’s competitiveness and much has been made in the press of the failure of the 50% rate to generate tax revenues. The measure will be welcomed by employers particularly those with a need to attract global talent into the UK. Employers may look for strategies to defer receipt of income until 2013 but given the relatively...