The British government has announced strict measures to curb the bonuses paid to bankers, including a levy of 50% on all payments over £25,000.
The BBC reports there has been criticism of sizeable bonuses some banks are planning to pay while receiving government aid.
Other steps are being taken to reduce a deficit of £178 billion, including a curb on public sector pay rises.
The measures were announced by Chancellor Alistair Darling as part of a pre-budget report which comes just months ahead of a general election.