United Kingdom

UK - Banking giant HSBC claims soaring pension costs are a key reason behind its decision to axe 1400 staff.

UK - Schemes with in-house administration systems are unlikely to recoup overpayments made in error to pensioner members, experts warn.

UK - Business confidence is returning in the financial services sector but optimism is still fragile, new figures show.

UK - F&C Management predicts that schemes' property weightings will more than double as they look to put money into assets that better match their liabilities.

UK - Union leaders are making pension provision a key element of their national charter for bus workers.

UK - Scottish Equitable has adopted the new Mini as its marketing model.

UK - Shareholder activism will have long-lasting effects on executive pay, chairmen at Britain's top companies claim.

UK - West Yorkshire Pension Fund is to provide advice and support to North Yorkshire County Council under a partnership agreement.

UK - Edinburgh Fund Managers has put itself up for sale after losing one of its last remaining pension fund clients, industry sources claim.

UK - Henderson Global Investors has appointed Kevin Adams as director of global government bonds, effective August 4.