PPF

UK - The aggregate funding position of the 6,653 schemes in the Pension Protection Fund's 7800 index improved to a surplus of £6.6bn at the end of July.

Have you missed the biggest stories in pensions this week? Find out below, as we list the top ten most popular stories on www.professionalpensions.com over the past seven days (30 July - 5 August).

Schemes that have bought out member benefits to Pension Protection Fund levels are still being forced to pay the lifeboat's levy despite posing it no threat, a lawyer says.

UK/US - Trade union Unite has threatened Ford with legal action over staff who lost their pension when Visteon UK went into administration last year.

Embattled chilled foods firm Uniq could be forced to recapitalise in order to fund its £436m scheme deficit.

UK - The Pensions Regulator has rejected proposals from chilled prepared foods firm Uniq to fund a £436m scheme deficit.

The Pensions Regulator has rejected proposals from chilled prepared foods firm Uniq to fund a £436m scheme deficit.

Businesses with pension deficits are starting to utilise property to finance the gap. Laura Blows finds out how companies are using property as a contingent asset and the advantage of these types of arrangements

The aggregate deficit of the 6653 schemes in the Pension Protection Fund's PPF 7800 index amounted to £21.8bn at the end June down from a surplus of £11.7bn at the end of May.

EUROPE - The European Commission is considering an EU-wide safety net for pension schemes similar to the UK's Pension Protection Fund (PPF).