Ogden tables updated to reflect change in mortality predictions  

The new (7th) edition can be can be downloaded here

The new tables are based on revised updated mortality rates (using 2008 figures). The result is an increase in life expectancies for males and females. The effect is an increase in multipliers. Life multipliers and pensions multipliers have increased more than earnings multipliers.

In addition, the range of discounts has been changed to include negative discounts (which allows for calculations in accordance with the Guernsey case Helmot v Simon). This feature is likely to be of limited immediate use given there has been no change in the discount rate set by the Lord Chancellor, although he has indicated his intention to review the discount rate and (at the time of writing) is in the process of doing so.

There is a change to the definition of “disabled”.

The Ogden Working Party is working on the 8th Edition of the tables and hope to publish these in the autumn of 2012. That edition will be based on yet further updates of mortality rates (likely to be published in late 2011). The Ogden Working Party hope the 8th edition will include a substantial rewrite of the Explanatory Notes but have postponed a decision as to whether the Explanatory Notes need amendment “especially as regards the circumstances in which it might be appropriate to depart from the suggested non-mortality reduction factors and the size of any adjustments made”.

Peter Hodson specialises in occupational diseases and injury claims within his wider practice of personal injury work.

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