Pensions: protecting security in old age

There is mounting speculation that the UK government is set to introduce a form of compulsory pensions insurance to help protect the growing number of final salary policyholders who are being left high and dry. If implemented, this scheme will ensure a fairer distribution of benefits among policyholders.<BR />

Published By Datamonitor

Pensions: putting employees first

The UK government has announced new plans to protect workers' pension rights and try to prevent companies from winding up their generous final salary pension schemes. The plans have attracted praise and criticism from opposing sides, but overall the move looks positive and should help to reinstate consumer confidence in the pension system.

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UK pensions: no justice for old abroad

The government's position over freezing state pension entitlement for those abroad has been legally upheld but must be seen as morally untenable. A government that is seen to be cheating its retired out of their pension dues is not helpful at a time when we are all being asked to save more for our retirement.

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UK pensions: key to staff happiness

Employers that do not offer their employees adequate pension provision face higher staff turnover. However, while workers are clearly interested in having enough money when they retire, the number of people buying pension plans is still too low. If the government is to encourage saving it may need to introduce compulsory employer contributions rather than just simpler products.<BR />

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Pensions: UK market worth GBP6.1 billion in 2007

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Compulsory pensions needed to fill savings gap

Large segments of the UK population are failing to contribute to a pension. This is causing an estimated GBP27 billion shortfall in the amount needed to guarantee an adequate retirement. Liz Hartley, financial analyst at Datamonitor, argues that compulsory pensions are the only solution to guarantee consumers a suitable standard of living when they retire...

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Postcode annuities: two tiers disadvantage the rich

Under plans being considered by Britain's biggest life assurer Aviva [AV.L], residents in richer areas could receive lower yearly annuity payments since on average they live longer. The selection procedure could be in place in five years time. The resistance to such a move may bring further controversy to a beleaguered industry that is already under huge public relations pressure.<BR />

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UK pensions: losing the ball and chain

Many UK companies are today finding themselves the victims of a past defined benefits system. They are now tying up final salary pension schemes in a bid to reduce the effects of such responsibilities on profits in years to come. However, growing international trends towards transparency, privatization and individual responsibility are on their side.<BR />

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German pensions: retirement poverty still long way off

With the Ruerup Commission delivering its recommendations on the German pensions system, German workers may find their working lifetime extended and their benefits diminished in the future. However, unlike in the UK, the specter of individual pensions poverty still remains a long way off for the German public.<BR />

Published By Datamonitor

Pensions: the debate remains in the cold

Standard Life's fringe pensions meeting aims to highlight that the UK government must take action at both ends of the pensions savings spectrum. The lack of interest in the issue from the public does not reflect the importance of the subject - pensions need to become a more high profile issue if fringe meetings are to come in from the cold.

Published By Datamonitor