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Why are our pensions in crisis?

Huge deficits mean around 600 pension funds are certain to collapse in the next decade, according to the Pensions Institute at Cass Business School. It says another 400 are also at risk. These funds have combined deficits of around £45 billion, a figure which could potentially overwhelm the PPF rescue fund.

Britain’s blue chips are dishing out billions more in dividends to shareholders despite a crisis in their pension funds. One investment group analysis shows that 54 companies in the FTSE 100 index have handed out £48billion to investors in the last two years despite having a £52 billion pension black hole.

Another commentator said that insufficient contributions to pension funds could leave companies with hefty liabilities which could drag on future performance and, ultimately, lead to staff receiving lower pensions if the business runs in to difficulties and enters administration.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

Other News

Sweden offering expats one of the best work-life balances worldwide

Stockholm WaterfrontIn the UK, the first week of October is National Work-Life Week, which encourages employers and employees to look at how they can improve their well-being at work and strike a healthier balance between family life and their job. The aim is to help reduce stress among a company’s workforce by offering more flexible ways of working, allowing workers to have time for other priorities in their life.

Of course, it’s not just in the UK where this is an important issue. Many workforces worldwide could do with a better work-life balance, and if you are soon to be moving to another country for work, it’s likely you’ll be wondering what the work culture is like. After all, spending long hours at your workplace without much else to do in your free time may mean you miss out on some of the best aspects of moving to a new country, such as forming a new circle of friends. And too much neglect of your personal life may end up affecting your emotional well-being and this is often one of the main stress factors expats have to deal with.

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TOP TIPS – How to Avoid Scams

DetectiveThe Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) limitations in relation to scams and mis-sold products have been brought into the spotlight in recent months, with a number of high-profile scandals.

For example, last year nearly 12,000 London Capital & Finance (LCF) investors lost approximately £237m (€277.8m) as a result of investing in mis-sold speculative mini-bonds.* This is because they weren’t aware of how to spot a scam.

A clearly frustrated LCF bondholder told press that it should be an imperative for HM Treasury and the government to take steps to clarify and strengthen the law in relation to liability. The LCF bondholder also called on government ministers to ensure better regulation of online ads, to make avoiding scams easier for victims.

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