United Kingdom

UK - Men over the age of 50 dominate at the helm of UK company-sponsored pension schemes - despite efforts to encourage more involvement from women and younger employees, according to new research.

UK - An investment shake up by the Welsh Rhondda Cynon Taf local government pension scheme has reduced mandates controlled by F&C Management and Baillie Gifford Asset Management, as part of an overall diversification of the scheme's portfolio.

UK - Northamptonshire County Council pension fund has allocated £200m to overseas equity.

UK - The sub-prime crisis could actually enable pension funds to improve their funding positions, claim some industry professionals.

UK - A deadlock has developed between trustees at J Sainsbury plc's pension scheme and Delta Two Limited, the Qatari-backed investment group which has approached the retail group.

UK - Staffordshire County Council pension fund has issued a tender for a specialist currency manager.

UK - Global Pensions has learnt that Pensions Corporation has entered into an exclusive deal worth £700m for a company within the UK manufacturing sector.

UK - The Pensions Regulator has taken companies to court over outstanding levy payments, as part of a programme to collect monies due, and ensure future payments are made on time.

UK- The Royal County of Berkshire Pension Fund has appointed Barnett Waddingham as actuary to the portfolio.

UK - Unite, Britain's largest union, has highlighted pension concerns among its reasons for urging the board of J Sainsbury plc to block a possible takeover by Delta Two Limited, the Qatari-backed investment group.