United Kingdom

UK - Commodities are "back in vogue" and should make up at least 10% of a pension scheme's investment portfolio, Barclays Bank's investment arm claims.

UK - Unions want new laws which would force firms to consult with employees before any changes could be made to company pension schemes.

UK - Pension funds are increasingly moving towards passive management, according to Russell/Mellon CAPS.

UK - Firms have been warned to think "very carefully" about where they set up share plans in the wake of a new European Union directive.

UK - The government's decision not to legislate against excessive payments for underperforming company bosses has split the industry.

UK - Brewery giant Whitbread is to offer its 950 managers and executives a new environmentally-friendly company car scheme.

UK - The Transport & General Workers' Union has brokered a raft of improved employee benefits for 200,000 construction workers at the Federation of Master Builders.

UK - Equitable Life Assurance Society was the "author of its own misfortunes", a report by Lord Penrose said.

UK - Commercial property will continue to offer pension schemes attractive returns and a stable capital base over the short to medium-term, Standard Life Investments predicts.

UK - Web-based travel and leisure group lastminute.com has been slammed by investor lobby group Pensions Investment Research Consultants over an "excessive" executive bonus scheme.