Deficits

The combined deficit of the UK's biggest schemes remains unchanged from six years ago at £68bn, despite contributions of more than £50bn, figures reveal.

Uniq has finally reached agreement with trustees in its long-running deficit for equity negotiations, which will see the scheme take control of 90.2% of the firm's shares.

The balance of schemes monitored by the Pension Protection Fund improved to a surplus of £46.1bn at the end of January, figures from the lifeboat fund reveal.

US - Deficits of the pension funds sponsored by S&P 1500 companies were $45bn less at the end of January than they were a month earlier, figures by Mercer show.

The BT Pension Scheme shortfall shrank £1.5bn in Q4 last year, helped by a £1bn increase in asset values and a £525m deficit payment, according to its quarterly report.

The majority of defined benefit pension schemes will be shut this year despite combined deficits decreasing by £121bn in the past year, Pension Capital Strategies says.

UK - Regulatory focus on plugging scheme deficits quickly is "unhelpful" and could actually damage businesses and pension funds, Hymans Robertson warns.

Northern Foods has recommended a takeover bid from Boparan Holdings after its scheme trustees agreed a deal over the fund's £142m deficit.

Regulatory focus on plugging scheme deficits quickly is "unhelpful" and could actually damage businesses and pension funds, Hymans Robertson warns.

Uniq aims to deliver its deficit for equity swap by the end of March in a move that could see 90% of equity handed to the pension scheme.