Retirement

About half a million people who are approaching the current state pension age (SPA) are too ill to work, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has said.

FIVE THINGS

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has expressed concerns that an increase in advised sales of investment bonds by life insurance companies may be a sign of a commission grab ahead of the implementation of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR).

The government has promised it will only implement changes to tax legislation retrospectively in "wholly exceptional circumstances", after concerns were raised that it could damage the UK's reputation.

Scottish Widows will not facilitate adviser charging on its Retail Distribution Review (RDR)-compliant onshore investment bond because of the potential tax detriment.

SIPP provider James Hay recorded a 10% dip in profits in the first half of 2012, during which it continued to leak business.

Using "unrealistically low projection rates" will deter people from saving and make it harder for consumers to decide between different funds, Aegon has warned.

Labour front benchers have urged the government to work with the opposition, business and trade unions to protect British interests from planned European regulation of the pensions and insurance industries.

Axa Wealth's Family Suntrust has hit £500m in new premiums following the registration of its 600th scheme.

What questions should clients be asking their advisers about pension charges following recent media debate?