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Foresight: January 2008
Foresight e-newsletter: Working towards a common goal

Last updated: 20 February 2008

 

In this edition:

Overview

Don’t write off private equity yet

Scratching more than the surface of annuities

Pensions Panel: The shape of pensions to come

M&A: Have all your wits about you

Scope for value growth in property

Case studies

Benefits: It's about more than salary

How comprehensive is your cancer cover?

Incapacity benefit - are you ready for the changes?

Big benefits if you go online

Welcome to the first edition of Foresight for 2008.

 

When thinking about employee benefits, it's sometimes tempting to go into a state of hibernation. We spend infinite time and resources trying to encourage our employees to participate in benefit programmes that have been carefully constructed to meet their needs and support their financial well-being.

 

It then feels like external factors contrive against us and undermine all the hard work – events such as the credit crunch which resulted in the run on Northern Rock, criticism over the Capital Gains Tax proposals in the pre-budget report in addition to the ongoing uncertainty about state pensions and means testing. These are issues that often provide employees with the excuse to do nothing and not plan for the future.

 

This is where we as advisors and employers need to shoulder the responsibility to keep putting the message out there.

 

We all know that all but a few of the current generation of savers are not going to be supported by generous final salary pension schemes. They will have to work longer and save more to meet their financial aspirations and create financial security for themselves and their dependants. If your employees are confident about making the right financial decisions then they are likely to be more satisfied with their employment.

 

With a new year comes a new start. It's an excellent time for all employers to examine the opportunities available to help motivate staff, make the most of your business and continue to meet your business goals. 


As always, Foresight aims to address the issues and concerns you as an employer face. Please do continue to provide us with feedback through your consultant or by email to employeebenefits@mercer.com.

Source: This article is an extract from Foresight, Issue 1, 2008.

 

 

Important information


This newsletter is for general guidance only and represents our understanding of law and HM Revenue & Customs practice as at January 2008.

 

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of editorial content, no responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions, or for actions taken or not taken as a result of any statement in this document. You should also be aware that the law in parts of the United Kingdom may vary from that stated. The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance. If you withdraw an investment in the early years, you may not get back the full amount you invested.

 

The Financial Services Authority does not regulate some of the products and services that may be mentioned. Issued by Mercer Limited.

 

Mercer (EB) refers to Mercer (EB) Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered in England No. 404370. Registered office: 1 Tower Place West, London, EC3R 5BU. Tel: 020 7626 6000. 

 

Nothing in this document constitutes advice or is intended to be read as such and should not form the basis on which investment decisions are made.

 

 

Foresight   

 

A dedicated magazine for trustees and employers of small to medium sized businesses - addressing topical issues on pensions and investments, healthcare and risk benefits.

 

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