Review of the year 2008

McDonald’s, Flybe and Network Rail become the first employers to have their in-house training programmes nationally recognised. The move marks a major step in qualification reform.

Gordon Brown proposes fixed three-year pay deals for 5.5 million public-sector staff to curb inflation. There is a backlash from unions.
 

It’s untenable to have a normal retirement age in public-sector schemes that is significantly different from the state retirement age

Brian Bailey, Director of pensions, West Midlands Pension Fund and member of High Pay Commission