The news that Marks & Spencer chairman, Mr Luc Vandevelde, will receive a bonus of almost £810,000 sterling (€1,306,240), received an angry response from French unions on Friday.

Company investors urged Mr Vandevelde to waive at least part of his bonus. None of the other M&S executives is likely to receive a bonus because their financial targets have not been met. Mr Vandevelde's bonus, however, is based on strategic and qualitative objectives.