Rosalind Connor comments in Professional Pensions as Thomas Cook’s defined benefit pension schemes are expected to enter the PPF
Thomas Cook’s four UK defined benefit (DB) pension schemes are expected to enter the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) as the company begins insolvency proceedings.
A PPF spokesperson assured members of Thomas Cook’s DB pension schemes that their benefits remain protected by the PPF at what must be a worrying time for all concerned.
Rosalind Connor said the case demonstrates the rise in popularity of long term funding targets.
“The pension scheme has been looking to extend contributions even though the scheme was in an ongoing surplus,” she said.
“This is because there is a growing tendency for schemes (encouraged by The Pensions Regulator) to have a long-term funding target – i.e. even if the scheme is in surplus now, to look to the future where the scheme can be bought out, or at least not be dependent on the strength of the employer.
“In the light of events this morning, that would seem to have been wise.”
Read Rosalind’s comments in Professional Pensions, FTAdviser, Acquistions Daily, Personnel Today, Professional Adviser and Investment & Pensions Europe.
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