United Kingdom

UK - Engineering firms have dismissed Alan Pickering's proposals to fill the defined benefit void with industry-wide schemes as being fraught with "practical difficulties".

UK - Trustees of schemes in wind-up can transfer members' guaranteed pensions into a defined contribution vehicle without consent, a prominent pensions lawyer claims.

UK - The government is increasing uncertainty at pension schemes by failing to reveal its plans for replacing the minimum funding requirement, consultants claim.

UK - Fund managers are urging investors to shun the telecoms sector until new technology, such as 3G, is established.

UK - The Inland Revenue intends to tax all lump-sum retirement payouts in excess of £50,000.

UK - Scottish Mutual has added 37 external fund links to its flexible retirement package to increase its share of the market.

UK - Pensions Investment Research Consultants (PIRC) is urging the government to strengthen the influence of non-executives on corporate boards.

UK - The £1.2bn Hertfordshire County Council Superannuation Fund has released details of a new private equity tender.

UK - British Energy employees face uncertainty over the future of their pension scheme amid fears that the company may become insolvent.

UK - Pensions software specialist Marlborough Stirling has been forced to issue a profit warning after an £80m outsourcing deal was delayed.