CLEAN IT UP

Water chiefs forgo bonuses over public anger on sewage

Polling shows most people want water company bosses’ bonuses banned over environmental failings
Polling shows most people want water company bosses’ bonuses banned over environmental failings
PETER TARRY FOR THE TIMES

The boss of Yorkshire Water has become the third water chief executive to waive their bonus, amid growing concern about pollution in waterways.

Nicola Shaw, who took over from Liz Barber in May of last year, is paid a base salary of £574,000, according to the company’s annual report.

Precisely what her bonus would have been for the past financial year is not known, as she only started in May, but Barber’s last bonus was £679,000.

Sarah Bentley is chief executive of Thames Water, the UK’s largest water company
Sarah Bentley is chief executive of Thames Water, the UK’s largest water company
JOHN ALEX MAGUIRE/SHUTTERSTOCK/REX FEATURES

Shaw said: “I understand the strength of feeling about the issues linked to river health which is why I’ve decided that this year I won’t be accepting a bonus.”

Yorkshire Water was the second worst of England’s nine leading sewage companies for spilling untreated sewage into waterways last year,