Deficits

UK - The combined deficit of the UK's biggest schemes remains unchanged from six years ago at £68bn (108bn), despite contributions of more than £50bn, figures reveal.

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.