Pensions guide is published

Pay analysts Incomes Data Services have published a new guide covering a wide range of pensions issues.

Pensions in practice 2004/05 runs to 568 pages and contains chapters on the tax regime, pension scheme design, divorce, early leavers, retirement policies, trustees, communicating with members, investment and funding, administration, and pensions for high earners. An appendix lists companies that have switched from final salary ("defined benefits") to money purchase ("defined contributions") schemes.

The section on trustees is likely to be of particular interest to union-nominated trustees. It covers the law relating to trustees and the current practice on member trustees, as well as their powers and duties. It also looks at investment principles and the trustee code of practice, and refers to the TUC Member Trustees Network.

Among the facts revealed in the book is that over 20% of senior executives receive a pension of 1/30th of their salary for each year of service.

For further information, visit www.incomesdata.co.uk