UK – US-based communications equipment firm Avaya has appointed Orbit Benefits to provide pensions administration in the UK.

Orbit, which provides online benefits solutions, said in a statement that it has now launched its online solution for Avaya, which has a defined contribution arrangement.

“Orbit will run pension and protection schemes for Avaya’s 700 UK staff across seven locations using the Orbit benefits management system,” it said. Orbit is a subsidiary of reinsurer Benfield Group.

The system allows employees to “actively manage pension and risk benefits themselves”. They can also talk with consultants. The system is provided free to Avaya due to Orbit’s bundled agreements with five insurance companies.

“In a climate of uncertainty surrounding pension investments, Avaya wants to offer its employees instant access to relevant and accurate information to enable them to manage their pension funds,” said Carol Baylis, Avaya’s UK human resources manager.

“We believe that this will empower our employees and adds to the existing comprehensive portfolio of benefits offered by Avaya.”

The system links with two pension providers and healthcare firm PPP.

“This contract marks another step towards our goal of becoming the leading supplier of online, integrated benefits solutions,” said Orbit chief executive Jim Carlton.