Round up - July 3

Pensions drop by 10% in private sector

Financial Times

The number of private sector workers earning pension benefits fell by 10pc in 2007 to 3.6 million from 4 million the year before, according to Office of National Statistics.

The data contrasts to the public sector where the number of active members in pension schemes grew to 5.2 million in 2007 from 5 million in 2006.

The Telegraph

New figures published by the Office for National Statistics reveal that the number of people in 'gold-plated' company pension schemes has fallen by one million in the past three years.

The number of members of occupational pension schemes has fallen from 9.8m to 8.8m in 2007.

Expat pension schemes: Singapore sling may sink pensions

The Telegraph

Expats who take their pensions to Singapore to avoid inheritance tax and buying annuities could face a 55pc tax bill from the British government.

Gurkhas lose High Court battle over pensions

The Times

Former Gurkha soldiers lost their High Court battle over a pensions deal with the Ministry of Defence.