United Kingdom

UK - A campaign to set up an Occupational Pensions Archive Trust will move a significant step forward later this month.

UK - The pensions industry is holding out little hope of any radical changes from the Higgs Review into the role of non-executive directors.

UK - Two senior investment consultants at Watson Wyatt are to take sabbatical leave later this year.

UK - Consulting actuaries Punter Southall have continued to strengthen its presence in the local authority market with a new appointment.

UK - Trustees are rushing to amend or clarify scheme rules in a bid to stave off potential legal conflicts.

UK - Marlies Van Boven has joined Baring Asset Management as senior research analyst in the investment process team (IPT).

UK/AUSTRALIA - UK government hopes of sustaining a voluntary pension system are "inherently flawed", a leading Australian politician claims.

UK - F&C Management is to combine its US and global equity research desks.

UK - Councils are selling properties - including flats and buildings leased to charities - to plug massive pension scheme deficits.

UK - Bank workers' union Unifi is urging Royal Bank of Scotland to settle its dispute over clawback ahead of a tribunal.