Irwin Mitchell
Getting a better bulk annuity price from your insurer
Nimble footwork enables small schemes to compete with the big boys in the buyout market, says Stephanie Hawthorne.
TPR receives over 100 reports of employers encouraging staff to opt out of pensions
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has received more than 100 allegations of employers inducing their employees to opt out of pensions in the last three years, it has revealed.
DWP seeks change to PPF compensation rules on transferred-in benefits
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a consultation to clarify how the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) should treat transferred-in defined benefit (DB) entitlements when calculating compensation.
TPR's professional trustee definition welcomed but penalty policy has 'sting in the tail'
The industry has welcomed The Pensions Regulator's (TPR) revised definition of professional trustee, but has warned all trustees to be aware of the updated monetary penalty policy.
Do we need a stricter regime for updating scheme rules and deeds?
Michael Klimes asks if guidance which recommends scheme deeds and rules be consolidated into one document at least every five years, should be a regulatory requirement.
How far can the dashboard develop with patchy data?
Michael Klimes examines how a gap in scheme data could shape the development of the dashboard.
Is TPR getting tougher after securing first criminal convictions?
The regulator has bared its teeth in two court cases involving failure to hand over information vital for its investigations, resulting in its first convictions. Stephanie Baxter asks if it suggests a shift in attitude
'Gig economy' workers get pensions backing in Pimlico Plumbers ruling
Staff in the 'gig economy' have received a new boost in their case for workers' rights, including pensions, following a landmark ruling against Pimlico Plumbers.
Firefighters' case flags age discrimination quandary in pensions
An employment tribunal case about age discrimination against younger firefighters raises questions about intergenerational fairness in pensions, writes Michael Klimes
What happened in pensions in 2016: Part Three
PP Online looks back at a very busy year for pensions. Here's what happened between July and September.
HMRC delays VAT rules for DB schemes
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has further delayed the implementation of rules on value-added tax (VAT) reclaims for defined benefit (DB) schemes until December 2017.
Lloyds' union launches legal action to equalise GMPs
A Lloyds Bank union is taking legal action to close the pay gap between men and women who took out guaranteed minimum pensions (GMPs).
Halcrow Pensioners' Association withdraws legal challenge over Halcrow Pension Scheme restructuring
The Halcrow Pensioners' Association (HPA) has withdrawn its Upper Tribunal challenge of the Halcrow Pension Scheme restructuring after facing the threat of spiralling legal costs.
TPR disputes legal challenge over Halcrow restructuring
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has said there is no legal basis for the Halcrow Pensioners' Association (HPA) to challenge the proposed restructuring of the scheme in the Upper Tribunal.
Halcrow Pensioners' Association challenges TPR over restructuring plan
Lawyers acting on behalf of Halcrow Pensioners' Association (HPA) are disputing a proposed regulated apportionment arrangement (RAA) for the engineering company's defined benefit (DB) scheme.
TPR considers more powers to monitor DB schemes
Cases such as BHS are making the regulator consider its enforcement tools. Michael Klimes investigates
Should trustees have more powers to hold sponsors to account?
The BHS case has raised questions about the powers of trustees to hold sponsors to account. Michael Klimes looks at whether they should have more control
PPF compensation cap changes face further delay
Expected changes to the PPF compensation cap to give increased benefits to those with more than 20 years’ service have been delayed. Helen Morrissey reports.
Royal London loses appeal on blocked pension transfer in High Court
Royal London has lost the right to block a suspected pension liberations transfer in a landmark ruling at the High Court, which could have far-reaching consequences across the industry.
Industry welcomes draft DC code, but is it doing enough to cater to various types of DC scheme?
PP looks at industry responses to the draft DC code
Industry warns draft DC code is one-size-fits-all and lacks clarity on trustees' duties
The draft defined contribution (DC) code is not suitable for all types of schemes and lacks clarity on trustees' responsibilities, according to responses to the regulator's consultation.
When will PPF compensation cap changes be implemented?
Penny Cogher looks at the likelihood of an increase to the Pension Protection Fund compensation cap
UK saving rates increase but nine in ten set to miss retirement income targets
More people are on track with saving for retirement than at any point in the last two years, but the vast majority are still not putting away enough, research finds.
DWP slammed for spending £8.5m auto-enrolment 'gimmick'
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been criticised for spending more than £8.5m on a campaign to promote awareness of auto-enrolment.
