The London Borough of Hounslow has appointed Capita Hartshead to provide administration and advice to the council's pension fund.

The Universities Superannuation Scheme's funding level dropped by 29 percentage points due to losses on investments, and increases in salaries and pensions, its 2009 accounts reveal.

IRELAND - Over 40% of defined benefit schemes' sponsors indicated they are considering reducing member benefits in a bid to shore up funding deficits, a survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) revealed.

Parity Training has appointed benefit and reward consultancy firm Enrich as its healthcare and risk adviser.

Penrose Financial has launched a guide to dealing with the media for scheme trustees.

The Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund could replace Watson Wyatt as fiduciary manager following a review.

US - Starbucks yesterday said it would match 401(k) plan contributions for its US employees.

UK - The Universities Superannuation Scheme's funding level dropped by 29 percentage points due to losses on investments, and increases in salaries and pensions, its 2009 accounts revealed.

AUSTRALIA - Today's Australian workers can actually expect a higher future retirement income than they could six months earlier, despite record investment losses at the country's superannuation funds.

SINGAPORE - Martin Currie Investment Management will open an office in Singapore, as the company continues to expand its presence in the Asian region.