Pensions

During 2006 a number of important changes were made to the legislation which governs pension schemes. These were the latest in a series of changes which have been implemented over the past few years. This Compliance Guide will help you through the maze of the new rules and regulations that apply to UK pension provision.

These changes have implications not only for employers sponsoring workplace pension arrangements and scheme trustees, but also for HR professionals who will be faced with explaining the changes to the workforce. Many of the changes aim to provide greater security for the benefits employees have already built up in a pension scheme, while other legislative change will result in changes to the benefits being provided by schemes.

This guide explains the issues and requirements of legislative changes and looks at the opportunities that have been created by changes to contribution and benefits rules. Areas covered include:

• The 2006 Pensions tax regime and the choices employers need to make on scheme rule changes

• Requirements for trustees and employers to make reports to the pensions regulator

• Employer consultation and disclosure of information requirements

• Trustee training

• Pension scheme funding and investment issues

• Including benefits for civil partners

• Implications of the age discrimination requirements.

Published August 2007

Pensions – contents