Powered by Lexis+®
Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom
Related legal acts
Key definition
Underwater definition

What does Underwater mean? Underwater describes, in restructuring and insolvency practice, a creditor, secured position or tranche whose recoveries sit below the value-break in the capital structure. In practical terms it is out of the money: based on valuations, it is unlikely to receive a full return (and may receive no dividend) under the distribution waterfall or a restructuring outcome. The term is market shorthand, not a defined term in UK or Irish insolvency legislation or case law, though the concept aligns with tests for economic interest used by the courts. In England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, it informs class formation...

Read More Right Arrow

COVID-19 and UK employee share schemes: EMI, SAYE, SIP, CSOP—HMRC easements, CJRS/JSS implications, valuations, leavers, underwater options, performance conditions and reporting

Practice notes
imgtext

ARCHIVED: This Practice Note has been archived and is not maintained.

Amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency, the government introduced a range of measures connected to the UK tax framework. For further information, see Practice Note: Coronavirus (COVID-19)—tax implications [Archived].

This Practice Note gives a high-level overview of how the pandemic influenced existing tax-advantaged share schemes and triggered updates to HMRC guidance and legislation. It also examines how companies approached Underwater share options and performance conditions rendered unsuitable by the ensuing economic environment. These points are relevant to all share Plans.

The coronavirus job Retention scheme (CJRS) and the Job Support Scheme (JSS)

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), first announced on 20 March 2020, supported UK employers with grants enabling them to continue paying up to 80% of salary not worked (capped at £2,500 per employee per month) for staff placed on ‘furlough’, subject to meeting certain Requirements. The CJRS officially ended on 30 September 2021. For further details of the scheme, see Practice Notes: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (original version to...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.
Web page updated on 21/05/2026

Popular documents

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Read More Right Arrow

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Read More Right Arrow

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Read More Right Arrow

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...

Read More Right Arrow