United Kingdom

UK/US - US-based technology firm Zarlink Semiconducter is spending £4m winding up its UK DB pension scheme.

UK - Mercer Human Resources Consulting has accused the government of making it "virtually impossible" for schemes to contract back into the state second pension.

UK - NAPF CONFERENCE: The Retirement Income Reform Bill would ensure "guaranteed income for life", a campaign group told delegates at the NAPF conference.

UK - NAPF CONFERENCE: A reform of state benefits will provide the cornerstone to reviving the UK's ailing pensions system, Conservative spokesman for work and pensions David Willetts told delegates.

UK - NAPF CONFERENCE: The pensions industry needs a single, standard basis for calculating debt, according to Hazell Carr Pensions Consulting.

UK - The Mineworkers' Pension Scheme has appointed Wendy Mayall advisory member of the investment sub-committee.

UK - Newton Investment Management is to hold a series of investment seminars for scheme trustees and consultants.

UK - NAPF CONFERENCE: Members of the United Engineering Forgings scheme picketed delegates as they arrived at the NAPF conference yesterday.

UK - A leading multi-manager has voiced concerns over exclusivity deals and warned consultants not to become over-reliant on the product.

UK - Low-paid workers will have to find an extra £1500 each to correct a pensions blunder by the Inland Revenue's new computer system.