New restricted share plan

The Remuneration committee has approved a restricted share plan for senior employees below director and product group chief executive level. The new plan is designed to support the Group's ability to attract and retain key staff in an increasingly tight and competitive labour market. Under the new plan, eligible employees may receive a conditional award of shares which will vest, wholly or partly, when performance conditions laid down by the Remuneration committee at the time of the award have been satisfied. Shares to satisfy these awards will be purchased in the market. No directors are eligible to participate and no new shares will be issued to satisfy awards under this plan.