Atkins has a £300m deficit in its pension fund, the latest figure representing an increase of £26m over the position 12 months ago.
Latest annual results (12 months to 31 March 2006) evaluate the pension fund's position to IAS 19, the lateast accounting standard.
Atkins’ assumptions on longevity anticipate that current pensioners will live to an average age of 84 (men) and 87 (women). The figures for current employees, taken to aged 45, is longer again, the figures running to an additional three years, both men and women.
Pre-tax profit strengthened to £75m (£53m) with turnover bounding ahead to £1.4bn (£1.2bn).
Ed Wallis, chief executive, said: “The group made good progress and produced increased profit. Operating margin increased to 6% and headcount grew by over 1,000.
“We made substantial investment in initiatives targeted to improve the development and retention of staff. This is starting to yield benefits.
“The Metronet enterprise, however, continues to present challenges and this has impacted the group’s overall profitability.”