Lobby group urges UK pension reform

The Trade Union Congress (TUC), consumer advisors Which?, Age Concern and Help the Aged are getting together to create a new super lobbying group today to argue for compulsory pensions saving.

The four organisations will lobby for radical change to the current system as the Government moves towards finding a solution to Britain's looming pensions crisis.

The group will call for employers to be compelled to contribute to their staff's pensions, and for employees to be forced to save every month. It also wants compulsory retirement ages to be scrapped, and a new state pension system which is fairer to women.

The new lobby group - styling itself "The People's Pensions Coalition" - is expected to meet considerable opposition over some of its proposals, with all of the major political parties, as well as the CBI, opposed to widespread compulsion.

Brendan Barber, the TUC's general secretary, said: "This is an unprecedented alliance for a radical new pensions settlement. This powerful coalition speaks for millions."

The independent Pensions Commission, headed by Adair Turner, is due to publish its recommendations for reform this autumn. Mr Turner will join the new Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, David Blunkett, and leading pension industry figures in a one-day conference tomorrow.

- INDEPENDENT