Pensions - Articles - Comment on the DLR pension scheme investigation from JLT EB

 “Failure to complete and agree actuarial valuations within the prescribed period is not uncommon, but in this case the time delay does seem excessive. TPR generally takes proportionate attitude to delays and its move may relate to poor communication or inaction by trustees, employer or both, or some specific concern.

 "In our experience, trustees and their sponsors are better served by keeping TPR informed of their discussions, even if extended, as this provides it with reassurance.

 “With high levels of pension deficit likely to continue for some time, the 2016 round of actuarial valuations are likely to prove challenging for companies and agreements will be harder to reach.

 “Pensions remain a highly topical issue in the corporate world. For example, the RSA deficit is the No. 1 issue in Zurich’s due diligence before agreeing (or not) to proceed with a bid.”