Businesses which continued to offer large bonuses even as they perform badly could face some tough questions from investors, a new study has warned.
A study by firm Hewitt New Bridge Street revealed that the average bonus for a FTSE 100 chief executive was equal to 90 per cent of their basic salary during the 2008-09 period.
Although this was down from the previous year, when the figure stood at 110 per cent, the company still described the figure as "relatively high".
According to David Tankel, principal consultant at Hewitt New Bridge Street, firms which insist on paying large bonuses even when things are going badly will come in for criticism.
He said: "If this year's trend of above target bonuses continues despite what is forecast as lower year-on-year financial figures, then we would expect investors to question bonus structures and demand significantly enhanced disclosure on bonus targets."
This could see some firms land themselves in "very hot water", Mr Tankel added.
Earlier this week, think tank Compass revealed plans for a High Pay Commission which would regulate the salaries of the UK's best paid workers.
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