Mike Smedley

Just over 10% of sponsors have requested the suspension of deficit reduction payments – a number that is likely to rise around 19% over the coming months.

The Pensions Regulator’s (TPR) annual funding statement aims to keep up pressure on schemes but tries to avoid putting undue strain on employers at a time of crisis, the industry says.

A revised funding code for defined benefit (DB) schemes could have a £100bn impact on pension schemes and employers when published, KPMG analysis has found.

Asset-backed funding arrangements became more prevalent in 2012 as a wider variety of companies used a greater array of assets to fund deficits, says KPMG.

Sponsoring employers could be given unilateral powers to amend defined benefit scheme rules without trustee consent to offset a £4.2bn spike in National Insurance costs.

Grasping the nettle of guaranteed minimum pensions

The government will save more than £2.5bn through a clampdown on "complex asset- backed funding structures" that allow firms to over-claim tax relief, says George Osborne.

Asset-backed pension scheme contributions could exceed £10bn in the next five years, latest research finds.

Schemes conducting pension increase exchange exercises must provide personalised statements and a helpline to help members understand their choice, a consultant argues.

Pensions deficits have become more affordable to blue chip companies despite almost doubling in size this year to £70bn, research finds.