Pension-dodging 'phoenix' company bosses face disqualification

Government plans to get tough

James Phillips
clock • 3 min read

Company bosses who deliberately dissolve their company to avoid paying pension contributions could be hit with disqualification under government plans.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said directors will face fines or investigations where they shut down companies to dodge paying obligations to creditors or staff, before then launching a nearly-identical company with a new name. The process, known as ‘phoenixing', can see the pension scheme sent into the Pension Protection Fund (PPF), with members facing cuts to their benefits. Many phoenix companies arise out of pre-pack administrations (PPA) and, by April 2017, about 17% of schemes in the PPF had entered after their sponsors had undergone PPAs. Now...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

James Phillips
Author spotlight

James Phillips

Professional Pensions journalist from 2016-2022

More on Pensions

Govt ignores pension tax lock call as petition responses top 18,500

Govt ignores pension tax lock call as petition responses top 18,500

AJ Bell started petition; Govt forced to respond after 10,000 signatures

Jenna Brown
clock 23 October 2025 • 2 min read
How SIPPs and SSASs could help power the UK's energy goals

How SIPPs and SSASs could help power the UK's energy goals

'The role of pensions in supporting renewable energy deserves further consideration'

Caitlin Southall
clock 23 October 2025 • 4 min read
IHT on pensions: A moment in time for the profession to shine

IHT on pensions: A moment in time for the profession to shine

'Bringing pensions into the IHT net marks a structural change in how wealth is transferred'

Andrew Zanelli
clock 21 October 2025 • 4 min read