Europe

UK - Hewitt Bacon & Woodrow claims it is starting to win investment consulting work solely on the strength of its unconstrained mandate offering.

UK - The crisis affecting occupational pension schemes is discussed in a new book by economics lecturer Martin Sullivan.

UK - The government has agreed to take "belt and braces action" to ensure trustees are aware of their responsibilities when a scheme is being wound up.

UK - Blyth & Blyth scheme members face a protracted delay to find out if legal action against the former trustees and actuary will proceed.

UK - Mellon Human Resources and Investor Solutions has called for the establishment of a new pensions authority to help create a more stable and cost-effective system for pensions in the long-term.

UK - Actuaries have warned the government that it must ensure "suitable" firms enter the market if the sector is deregulated.

SCOTLAND - The £6bn Glasgow-based Strathclyde fund is tendering for investment advisory and consultancy services.

UK - MPs are to press the parliamentary ombudsman to order the government to restore benefits to scheme wind-up victims, as well as compensation for distress.

UK - Pearl has dismissed claims that customers are being subjected to huge transfer penalties.

UK - Proposed changes to the Pensions Bill that would have slashed scheme levies to the Pension Protection Fund in half have been rejected by the government.