Blogs & Insights

While COVID-19 has changed the workplace, employers are being reminded that it has not changed their automatic enrolment responsibilities towards their staff. Newly published data highlights how The Pensions Regulator has supported employers through the upheaval caused by the pandemic. TPR’s quarterly compliance and enforcement bulletin shows how temporary flexibilities led to a 55% fall […]

The Government is introducing legislation to allow people to use video-conferencing technology for the witnessing of wills being made. The legislation recognises that: An increasing number of people have sought to make wills during the Covid 19 pandemic, but for people shielding or self-isolating it is extremely challenging to follow the normal legalities of making […]

It is food for thought as the Pensions Regulator (TPR) published its Annual Report and Accounts for 2019-20 (Report). In a period of the impact of COVID-19 and impact on the economy, there is still ‘business as usual’ with: Auto enrolment completed and over 10 million people in a qualifying scheme 38 master trusts have […]

If you have ever postponed making a decision, this article is especially written for you. Making regular decisions is by far the most successful way of getting away from trouble. Yet there is a world of difference between knowing this and actually making those decisions that hold us back. There are many reasons why we […]

A sponsoring employer decided to close their final salary scheme. The shortfall against the estimated buy-out cost was around £5 million. However, the advisers suggested the trustees shop around and approached another annuity provider. After some research, the trustees identified another product which matched their needs. They were amazed that by shopping around, the alternative […]

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has issued guidance that sets out the standard for setting up and running a defined benefit (DB) superfund model. This includes directors, senior managers and trustees. What is a superfund? A superfund is a model that allows for the severance of an employer’s liability towards a DB scheme and one of […]

The new  Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) “Flexible furlough” starts from 1‌‌ July, which will allow employers to gradually bring their furloughed employees back to work part-time. The new scheme will be in place until the end of October and the Government will gradually reduce the amount of grant towards employees’ furlough pay to 70% […]

Often, Pension funds are entitled to reclaim 100% of their withholding tax on foreign investment income. However, not all pension funds know that this is the case. Could you have an outstanding refund owed to you? With more than £150bn withheld from pension funds globally, some of it could very well belong to you. Opportunities […]

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and The Pensions Regulator (TPR) have produced a factsheet for savers who have a defined benefit (DB) pension. The plain English factsheet, published today (Friday 5 June): tells savers they do not need to rush a decision about their pension and should get advice first reminds DB pension holders that […]

How to Manage your Wellbeing Stay connected Having a sense of connection with family and friends is important for our mental health. Ensure you schedule calls or video chats with your family and friends during lockdown. In addition, there are many online book clubs, virtual coffee groups and online workout challenge groups that you can […]