News

Transfer of Small Pension Pots

Wednesday 18 July 2012

On 17 July 2012, the Government issued its response to consultation regarding the proliferation of small pension pots.

Contractual changes to pensionable salary cap

Sunday 15 July 2012

In the Bradbury v BBC case, the High Court held that a contractual agreement to impose a cap on pensionable salary can be effective, notwithstanding the provisions of the pension scheme rules, provided that this does not breach the employer’s implied duty of trust and confidence.

Case law - High Court adopts pragmatic approach in analysing defined contributions scheme that had targeted final salary benefits

Thursday 12 July 2012

In Entrust Pension Limited v Prospect Hospice Limited and Yvonne Hunter, the High Court took a broadly pragmatic approach when faced with difficult questions about benefit promises under a pension scheme with a highly unusual structure.

Regulator's decision not to issue financial support directions may be appealed in relation to Lehman Brothers Pension Scheme

Thursday 12 July 2012

A tribunal has ruled that six subsidiaries of Lehman Brothers and the pension scheme trustees are entitled to appeal the Pension Regulator’s decision not to impose a financial support direction (“FSD”) on 38 other group companies.

The Pensions Regulator Sanctions Regulated Apportionment Arrangement

Wednesday 11 July 2012

The Pensions Regulator has given clearance to the British Midlands Airways pension scheme entering the Pension Protection Fund ("PPF").

Dual Status workers and auto-enrolment

Tuesday 10 July 2012

New regulations, which took effect on 2 July 2012, exempt “dual status workers” from auto-enrolment.

The Disclosure of Information Regulations

Monday 09 July 2012

The Disclosure of Information regulations are to be amended with effect from 1 October 2012. These regulations set out the pensions information that trustees are required to provide to scheme members and other interested parties.

Consulting with Employees: Switching to CPI

Friday 06 July 2012

A new "listed change" was introduced into the Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Consultation by Employers and Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations 2006 with effect from 6 April 2012.

Automatic Enrolment Earnings Trigger and Qualifying Earnings Band Rates set for 2012/2013

Friday 06 July 2012

The DWP has confirmed the levels of the earnings thresholds for the initial 2012/13 auto enrolment year.

The Abolition of Protected Rights

Thursday 05 July 2012

Following the abolition of protected rights on 6 April 2012, all legislative restrictions on protected rights were automatically removed.

Change to Transfer Legislation

Wednesday 04 July 2012

From 6 April 2012 there was a change in the legislation regarding transfers of pension rights.

The Pensions Regulator helps schemes to determine requirements of automatic enrolment

Tuesday 26 June 2012

An online ‘DC qualifying scheme tool’ has been made available by the Regulator to help employers assess whether their existing DC scheme meets the minimum criteria for an automatic enrolment scheme, as set out in legislation.