United Kingdom

UK - Defined benefit pensions continue to be a serious concern and ongoing challenge for private equity firms acquiring, managing or disposing of companies, Punter Southall says.

UK - The Pension Protection Fund has confirmed that it has set a pension protection levy estimate of £700m for 2009/10.

UK - Personal accounts must not have any advantage over good existing pension provision to avoid the threat of leveling down, B&CE Benefit Schemes warns.

UK - Government plans to reduce tax rates for low earners could reduce the tax incentive to save in a pension, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) warns.

UK - The University Superannuation Scheme (USS) did not reshape its portfolio of "risky" assets following the market turmoil of recent months, its chief investment officer (CIO) has said.

UK - Early access to funds in pension schemes could boost retirement income by a third, a Pensions Policy Institute (PPI) report claims.

UK - Pension Protection Fund (PPF) has gone out to consultation on proposals to take account of scheme investment strategies when calculating levies.

UK - Around 30% of UK workers have not saved or contributed enough towards a pension plan due to financial constraints, while those approaching retirement fear for the future, new research shows.

UK - Some 1.5 million pension holders are planning to halt their pension contributions in an effort to stave off the effects of the impending recession, according to new research from AXA.

UK - The Pensions Regulator has started procurement for IT services providers for its personal accounts responsibilities.