Press Releases

UK - June 11, 2009 - The uncertainty the financial crisis and recession is creating for the pensions industry and the economy will be the theme of the Watson Wyatt and Cass Business School lecture delivered by Dr Martin Weale, Director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR), later this month.

Dr Weale will focus on the forces behind the current recession and how it compares to recessions in the past. He will also examine the long-term implications for the UK economy and how savings will need to change in the future. 

"We are extremely pleased that Dr Weale has agreed to deliver the lecture," said Jonathan Gardner, senior economist at Watson Wyatt. "Dr Weale is one of the leading economists in the UK and a frequent commentator on the state of the economy. For our lecture we felt the dramatic events surrounding the recent financial crisis and the uncertainty it is causing for the pensions industry, financial markets and economy generally would be of great interest. Dr Weale’s research examines whether, from a macro-economic perspective, the economy is making adequate provision for the future or not.”

Recent NIESR research has presented later retirement as something that can help repair the UK’s public finances. The NIESR has said this could require the State Pension Age to rise to 70 by 2023.

The lecture is held as part of Watson Wyatt's longstanding ties with Cass Business School, and will take place at the Cass Business School (106 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8TZ) on Tuesday 23 June from 6pm to 8pm.

There is no charge for admittance to the lecture but those wishing to attend – including members of the press – should click here to register, or contact Alison Leggate with any queries (01737 273395 or casslecture@watsonwyatt.com).

For more information please contact:

Elske van Soest
Public Relations Adviser
Watson Wyatt
+44 (0) 1737 273390
elske.van.soest@watsonwyatt.com

Visit Watson Wyatt's online press office: www.watsonwyatt.com/europe/news/journalists.

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Watson Wyatt (NYSE, NASDAQ: WW) is the trusted business partner to the world's leading organizations on people and financial issues. The firm’s global services include: managing the cost and effectiveness of employee benefit programs; developing attraction, retention and reward strategies; advising pension plan sponsors and other institutions on optimal investment strategies; providing strategic and financial advice to insurance and financial services companies; and delivering related technology, outsourcing and data services. Watson Wyatt has 7,700 associates in 34 countries and is located on the web at www.watsonwyatt.com