A scheme to give employees a stronger stake in their employers' future success has now been put back six months; it was announced in the Budget.

Employee shareholder status will give staff different employee rights and shares worth a minimum of £2,000 in the companies they work for but will now not come into effect until 1 September 2013.

The scheme will allow employee shareholders to be exempt from capital gains tax on up to £50,000 of shares - with the first £2,000 also free from income tax and National Insurance Contributions.

Ed Mayo, secretary general of Co-operatives UK, said: "Raising the cap on investment in co-operatives is something we have long campaigned for and we are delighted that the Chancellor has recognised the case for backing co-operative enterprises with this vital change.'

'The announcement will make it easier for members of co-operatives to invest at higher levels and will support the growth and development of co-operative businesses.'

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