Michael Furness QC

Pensions CV

Much of Michael's work involves occupational pension schemes.

Recent cases include PNPF Trust Co Ltd v Taylor [2010] Eastearly v Headway plc [2009] (CA); South Tyneside MBC v Lord Chancellor[2009] (CA) Walker Morris Trustee Co v Masterson [2009]; Allied Domecq Holdings Ltd [2008] CA National Bus Pension schemes [2008]; St Gobain v Davies [2008] CA; Sovereign Trustees Ltd v Glover [2008] and Scania GB Ltd v Wager [2008]. 

Important cases from earlier years include Betafence v Veys ; Pitmans Trustees v The Telecommunications Group; AGCO v Massey Ferguson Pension Trustees (CA); Re John Holt Pension Scheme; Bradstock Pension Trustees v Bradstock and Redrow v Pedley.

Michael has also appeared in many unreported applications for trustee directions or compromises. He represented the members of the National Bus Pension Scheme in the litigation concerning the division and distribution of the surplus assets of the scheme. He also represented the independent trustees of the Telent pension scheme before the Pensions Regulator Determinations Panel in connection with the takeover of Telent by Pensions Corporation (2007). He was instructed in the first determinations panel hearing on a contribution notice and has recently appeared in an oral hearing before the Ombudsman defending his client on allegations of fraudulent breach of trust.

He advises the Pensions Regulator, the Pension Protection Fund and the FSA on technical pensions issues.

He also advises extensively on pension scheme issues, especially in connection with the winding up of schemes, rectification and mistaken amendments, the construction of scheme rules contracting out and in connection with takeovers and reconstructions. He also advises on the technical aspects of financial products relating to pensions and occupational pension schemes.

An important part of his practice involves advising on and conducting professional negligence litigation arising out of erroneous advice and drafting.