IAS19

Newspaper group Trinity Mirror has almost quadrupled the amount of de-risking insurance contracts it holds as discount rate falls increased its deficit, its final year results show.

Private sector deficits have fallen for the third consecutive month as equity markets bounce back and falling yields slow down, research from the Pension Protection Fund reveals.

The industry is divided over the impact of accounting rules on scheme deficits.

Construction firm Balfour Beatty has seen its combined deficit increase by 23% as it consults with members on closing schemes to future accrual.

February's continued boost in equities has seen FTSE350 scheme deficits decrease according to Mercer despite continued negative deficit reports coming from 2012 final year results.

Engineering firm Costain has seen the benefits of its incentive exercises wiped out as its deficit remained relatively unchanged, its final results show.

Troubled clothing retailer Peacocks has seen its scheme deficit increase by 73% as the scheme undergoes assessment to enter the Pension Protection Fund.

British Airways has seen its combined defined benefit deficit increase despite asset increases of over €2bn (£1.73bn), its final results show.

The latest set of financial results from FTSE companies has re-ignited the debate over smoothing discount rates as strong asset returns were wiped out due to falls in discount rates.

Premier Foods will use the consumer prices index to calculate benefits in its RHM Pension Scheme following a 66% spike in overall deficits, its 2012 results show.