United Kingdom

UK - Firms may consider using final salary scheme assets as a "catastrophe cushion" to reduce life insurance premiums for employees, Gissings claims.

UK - The £2bn (e2.85bn) Essex County Council Pension Fund is looking to appoint an investment manager to look after its specialist UK equity management portfolio.

UK - Three-quarters of money purchase pension scheme members have not increased their contributions despite government attempts to boost saving.

UK - Jardine Lloyd Thompson has relocated staff in its Huddersfield office to new premises in Leeds.

UK - The NHS faces a retirement timebomb following new pay scales for consultants, the British Medical Association warns.

UK - Schemes have warned consultants they will face the axe if actuarial valuation work is carried out overseas.

UK - Northern Trust has appointed Wilson Leech (pictured) to the newly-created role of senior vice-president, head of strategic planning, international.

UK - The Royal Bank of Scotland has released its first full report on corporate responsibility.

UK - Fidelity Investments is expanding its defined contribution team ahead of a renewed onslaught on the UK market.

UK - High Street giant Next has appointed Watson Wyatt as scheme actuary - the first change in the post for more than 50 years.