Scheme closures

Severn Trent has established a new defined contribution scheme which will replace the current DC and defined benefit plans by 2015.

Ford workers are to vote on plans to strike in protest at the car maker's intention to close its final salary pension scheme to new joiners.

Pensions minister Steve Webb has called for a middle-ground "defined aspiration" pension.

IT firm RM has begun a consultation to close its defined benefit scheme to existing members in a bid to limit its exposure to the schemes growing liabilities.

Chemring has contributed more than £27m in contingent assets to its pension fund and opened a consultation to close the scheme to existing members.

BMW's UK final salary scheme is to remain open to new joiners while the company consults on plans to close it.

Food giant Unilever has been labelled a "modern day Scrooge" after it withdrew the offer of a £15 Sainsbury's Christmas voucher for workers protesting changes to their pensions.

UK Coal has made changes to its two defined benefit schemes it says will cut service costs by 50% and agreed to review future accrual annually.

Ford has clashed with unions over plans to shut its UK defined benefit scheme to new members.

Intercontinental Hotel Group is to close the defined benefit section of its UK pension scheme in response to the cut in the annual tax-free allowance.