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Recent research by financial consultants Mercer found that this equates to an average increase of £8bn on the liabilities for the FTSE 350.

The research took a snapshot of the mortality assumptions for 30 companies grouped by industry sector. Of those companies, 12 recognised significant improvements in life expectancy for a current pensioner over the previous year.

Schemes in the manufacturing sector saw the most notable increase and in one case, the increase in life expectancy for males was almost six years.

The data also showed that two companies reduced the assumed life expectancy of some of their members. Both have cited mortality investigations to justify their decision.

However, according to John Hawkins, principal in Mercer's financial strategy group, an increase in mortality investigations is to be expected given the Pension Regulator's encouragement of trustees to use realistic and justifiable mortality assumptions.

"Further improvements in life expectancies are still anticipated, although increases in liabilities are not likely to be restricted to this factor alone," he said.

The report, which also looked at funding positions for FTSE 350 companies, showed scheme funding levels on an IAS19 basis improving over the first quarter of 2008, with an aggregate FTSE 350 surplus of £14bn compared to a deficit of £14bn at 31 December 2007.

The buyout position remains similar to the position at 31 December 2007, currently estimated for the FTSE350 at £80bn.