Ann: Half Year Accounts, page-26

I've worked for oil and gas majors most of my life.

Employees, all, are made aware of the pitfalls of insider trading and the possible consequences. They are also made very aware of comments (read pub talk) to those outside the company and possible consequences. From memory this was ongoing at least every other year.

At times you could see events and circumstances that might concern the average investor, I'm thinking of a $56m cost over run, but the reality is you're limited to basically a keyhole view and absolutely do not have the global understanding needed to profit.

There were no restrictions on ownership of shares and at different times with some companies there were share plans available. At least 1 of these companies also owned and operated coal mines which I know (I have a relative in coal mining) also have offered employee share plans.