United Kingdom

UK - Thousands of part-time firefighters are preparing to launch a series of lawsuits to try to win backdated pension rights.

UK - HSBC Actuaries and Consultants is holding a series of four free breakfast seminars in Manchester, Solihull, London and Edinburgh.

UK - OPRA has published new guidance on annual declarations and deduction of charges for stakeholder pension schemes.

UK - Pictet Asset Management has appointed Christel Rendu De Lint as fund manager for the firm's fixed income team.

UK - Trade unions have blamed "opportunist employers" for the sustained and systematic attack on pension schemes.

UK - Goldman Sachs Asset Management has won a £30m sub-advisory mandate to manage a sterling corporate bond fund for Skandia Investment Management.

UK - A company director who kept seven months of employee pension contributions has been prosecuted by the pensions regulator.

UK - The Financial Services Authority is looking at whether it is communicating alternative annuity options successfully to upcoming retirees.

UK - Challenges and choice in pension design will be addressed at the Society of Pension Consultants' third strategic conference.

UK - Scottish Life is to hold a series of roadshows aimed at bringing IFAs up to speed with industry developments.