Autumn Budget 2017: On Wednesday, chancellor Philip Hammond said innovative high-growth firms should get investment from defined benefit and defined contribution schemes, raising questions over appetite and feasibility among pension funds. Three articles from the past year look at the issues at stake.
An age-old problem
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November 20, 2017
Editorial: There is currently an advert on some trains that promotes a privacy filter for computer screens. Unfortunately such devices are yet to be invented for phones.
Govt and industry aim to push impact investing onto scheme agendas
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November 14, 2017
Trustees and employers should receive training on social impact investing and engage with scheme members to better align non-financial values, a report to government has recommended, but experts stress time constraints and practical hurdles.
Field: Members should have first claim on assets
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November 13, 2017
Work and Pensions Committee chair Frank Field wants pension scheme members to have first claim on any assets from bankrupt sponsors, a debate on scrapping limited liability, and hopes to start an independent action group to support trustees.
When mentoring matters
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November 7, 2017
Any Other Business: Mentoring is fast becoming a must-have in any HR toolbox, but care is needed to avoid leaving mentee and mentor disappointed.
'Sharing is caring'
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November 3, 2017
Editorial: I recently had my hair cut in the north east of England. The no-nonsense Geordie salon owner revealed her saving habits, which are somewhat unusual, though arguably effective.
Fujitsu could see more strikes in jobs and pensions dispute
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November 1, 2017
Union Unite is preparing to reballot employees at ICT company Fujitsu on strike action, in a long-running dispute that – among other things – involves a change to the ICL defined benefit section’s late retirement factor.
DC schemes to give members cost information online only
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October 27, 2017
Defined contribution schemes should disclose costs and charges to members by signposting a link in their annual benefit statement, the Department for Work and Pensions has proposed, as the industry agrees communications need to be kept simple.
Large scheme admin transitions show need for careful planning
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October 26, 2017
Administration system transitions can be risky, but this has not stopped one of the industry’s largest taking place next month, while other schemes are outsourcing their services in an increasingly competitive environment for in-house teams.
Experts call for tempering of freedoms
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October 24, 2017
The UK pension system lags many of its European peers in a report out this week, which recommends restoring the requirement to take savings as an income stream.