So this is a sort of HMRC sanctioned tax avoidance scheme. Given that they are in a business of enacting retrospective taxes, I wouldn't trust that they are not going to change their mind down the line and ask for an extra tax.
That being said, £50k after all the tax is still better than £0 and if the £50k was paid as a one off bonus, you could pay it into SIPP without paying tax.
I remember when I asked them why I cannot get normal shares? They said that EMI will be better for me because I will save on tax. I said, why if I want to pay tax, it pays for our schools, hospitals, why should I be taking the advantage? So they said that the board don't want to do that, because it will create "a legal issue" when they will be looking for next round of investments.
So if any future employee reads that, if a company insist on EMI shares and don't want to give you real shares or money upfront, then jump the ship!
That being said, £50k after all the tax is still better than £0 and if the £50k was paid as a one off bonus, you could pay it into SIPP without paying tax.
I remember when I asked them why I cannot get normal shares? They said that EMI will be better for me because I will save on tax. I said, why if I want to pay tax, it pays for our schools, hospitals, why should I be taking the advantage? So they said that the board don't want to do that, because it will create "a legal issue" when they will be looking for next round of investments.
So if any future employee reads that, if a company insist on EMI shares and don't want to give you real shares or money upfront, then jump the ship!