Eglnyt - two points to suggest that the pension scheme is 'causing difficulties'. 1) They have tried - and unfortunately succeeded - in closing down the DB scheme, and 2) the funding level is now at 72%. I know that its not a tri-ennial evaluation, and i also know that its not too surprising given the economic state and that the funding level will rise up again quickly in the next 3 or 4 years. I would have thought that it would make perfect sense to pay the dividend amount into the pension scheme given the warning by the pensions regulator - especially as this a) keeps the money within the company, and b) will slightly lessen the requirement for the companies own pension contributions in the future.