The era of uncertainty surrounding final-salary pensions is coming to an end, according to Aon Consulting.

The benefits and HR consultancy reports the funding of the UK's 200 largest privately- sponsored pension schemes has improved by £16 billion, showing a deficit of £62 billion, and there are signs they are more stable than in the past.

And now that yields are stabilising, the challenge for companies is to tackle the remaining deficit.

Marcus Hurd, head of corporate solutions at Aon, said: "The era of uncertainty for final salary pensions liabilities is coming to an end. The real issue of pensions deficit remains, but if the goalposts are at least standing still then there is an increased chance of hitting the target. Dealing with the remaining pension deficits, whether accounting, funding or buyout, will have to be met by either strong asset performance or yet more pension contributions.