WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF COMPANY PENSION SCHEMES?
DUNCAN HOWORTH SOCIETY OF PENSION CONSULTANTS
“Just as final salary pension scheme is the past, defined benefit contribution is unquestionably the future. There are many challenges before we see this form of provision deliver anything like adequate benefits. And employees need new tools to plan their retirement savings.”
JOANNE SEGARS NAPF
“Employers are no less committed to providing good workplace pensions than before but regulation and people living longer has pushed up the cost of final-salary pensions. The government needs to take urgent action to support employers – it’s not the time to tinker around the edges.”
ROB GARDNER REDINGTON PARTNERS
“The future for final salary schemes looks bleak because, for years, companies and pension schemes have been taking advanced credit for the equity risk premium. However, the fall in equity markets means that many schemes are now facing large deficits at a time when the corporate sponsor is weakest.”
ROS ALTMANN INDEPENDENT PENSIONS ADVISER
“The future for company pensions is bleak. People will be far more on their own to provide their pensions, and will not be able to rely on their employer to provide it for them. You will not be able to plan your retirement income easily, because your pension will depend on how your investments perform.”