BSkyB is awarding each its 16,000 permanent employees free shares worth a total of £7.2 million as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations.

The broadcaster will provide each employee with 100 shares with a total value £452.50 (according to the share price on 24 February). Employees will hold the shares for three years, after which time the shares will be transferred to them as long as they still work for the company.

Sky, which also operates an employee sharesave scheme for staff, believes the free shares are a good way to recognise the loyalty of permanent staff members.

Jeremy Darroch, chief executive at Sky, said: "Our reward package is designed to give our people the recognition they deserve for the huge contribution they make to the success of our business."