United Kingdom

UK - Only 5% of tracker funds managed to achieve a positive return in the last five years, claims Bedlam Asset Management.

UK - Employer contributions into their final salary schemes have risen by 60% over the last four years, according to Inland Revenue figures.

UK - The Conservative party is setting up its own pensions and advisory group with the aim of producing an "alternative pensions policy".

UK - Media giant Granada and plastics and wire producer Carclo have both ended lengthy contribution holidays in a bid to cut mounting pension scheme deficits.

UK - Edinburgh Fund Managers' Iain Watt has stepped down as chief executive following continued pressure from major shareholders.

UK - Standard Life Investment's UK funds under management have fallen by £1.6bn this year due to sliding UK equity prices.

UK - F&C Management has hired Mike Porter as regional sales manager for London and the South East.

UK - Trade union Amicus is hopeful the green paper will propose greater pension rights for employees following top level talks with the government.

UK - Trustees of the £100m Thorn pension scheme have backed down in a battle with pensioners over how their scheme surplus can be spent.

UK - Tottenham Hotspur Football Club has raised £75m worth of institutional money to fund the redevelopment of its stadium.