Does anyone have any UK specific advice considering stock options? ..and how does it affect things if these are offered to a contractor and not a FT employee, is that even possible?
Maybe you could work as an employee one day a week and as a contractor for the remaining five and get the options as an employee? :-)
[1] http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/essum/essum40105.htm
[2] http://www.out-law.com/en/topics/tax/share-plans/hmrc-approv...
My main advice - if you think there potentially a chunk of money involved I would go and see an accountant or lawyer that knows the details of the current legislation and can give you detailed advice on what to do - I've done this in the past around options and the advice was worth every penny.