Employers need to plan for higher-rate tax hikes

A three-pronged tax change will have a major impact on pay arrangements for high earners, so remuneration committees and HR directors must plan for it now, experts have warned.

The new 50 per cent tax rate for incomes over £150,000 will be introduced in April along with the withdrawal of personal tax allowances where income exceeds £100,000. This will be followed in April 2011 by the restriction of higher-rate tax relief on pension savings.