United Kingdom

UK - Law firm Wragge & Co is holding a series of pension training sessions throughout September and October.

UK - Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (MLIM) has appointed Jeff Morton (pictured) as fund manager on the MLIM real estate team.

UK - The Financial Services Authority has withdrawn authorisation from 19 firms over the year to June 30 for failing to correct serious failings.

UK - Unions are seeking urgent talks with trustees amid fears that Grampian Foods is planning to wind up its final salary pension plans.

UK/US - United Airlines has assured its UK staff their pension plan is safe although four schemes in the US are likely to be closed.

UK - Merrill Lynch has unveiled a new flexible benefits package following its decision to wind up its final salary scheme earlier this year.

UK - Ministers have been told to find extra funding for the Financial Assistance Scheme for wind-up victims and not turn to the industry for cash.

UK - Financial services group iimia has been listed on the alternative investment market - a month after it merged with Exeter Investment Group.

UK - Fidelity Investments, the world's largest investment management organisation, has appointed Martin Harris as managing director of UK defined benefits.

UK - Giving workers financial incentives to cut high sickness absence figures will create new problems for employers, health experts warn.