United Kingdom

UK - Over 30 businesses now signed with 4th Contact's online employee benefits software.

UK - Pension funds should learn the virtues of simplicity from Boots pension scheme's switch from equities to bonds, accountancy giant PricewaterhouseCoopers claims.

UK - Pension schemes will face large fines unless they meet looming deadlines on scheme wind-ups, OPRA warns.

UK - Mature pension schemes are being let off lightly by FRS17, one of its architects and a former Accounting Standards Board consultant claims.

UK - A High Court hearing could lead to sweeping changes in the pensions ombudsman's powers to backdate scheme membership, a leading law firm believes.

UK - Radical changes in the way pension schemes and fund managers conduct business are needed to ensure assets outstrip liabilities, State Street Global Advisors claims.

UK - Government plans to force pension funds to be more active as shareholders have been lambasted by the NAPF.

UK - Massive potential pension scheme liabilities could sour the multi-billion pound merger between National Grid and Lattice, industry experts warn.

UK - Pension fund investment in property will not be affected by Chancellor Gordon Brown's decision to close tax loopholes, leading property investment managers claim.

UK/EUROPE - Russell/Mellon CAPS has hired Richard Jobling to the newly-created post of head of sales, marketing and relationship management for UK and Europe.