Europe

UK - Few IT companies consider giving mobile phones as a perk despite heavily relying on them to stay in touch with their employees.

UK - AXA has launched a new income drawdown and phased retirement plan in anticipation of growing demand in the run up to A-Day in 2006.

UK - Pensions software specialist Dunstan Thomas has launched a new administration platform in preparation for A-Day.

UK - The Institute of Directors has launched a new qualification aimed at boosting corporate governance standards in the pharmaceutical industry.

UK - The UK Social Investment Forum is stepping up its campaign to encourage money purchase scheme members to reflect their own values in ethical investments.

UK - The Pensions Management Institute has awarded two new qualifications to administrators of the University of Cambridge Pension Scheme.

UK - Accountancy giant KPMG is winning the "war for talent" in the market after introducing a flexible working scheme for staff.

UK - Hays - previously Hays Personnel Services - has completed a rebranding to focus solely on specialist recruitment and human resources services.

UK - Most company bosses believe the public perception of top directors has been damaged by rows over "fat cat pay", new research shows.

UK - The Conservatives will raise the value of the state pension and reverse the spread of means-testing if they win the next general election.