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20/06/2005
Pensions coalition calls for ‘fair deal’
A new coalition is calling on the new government to deliver a new ‘fair deal’ on pensions.
Four organisations – the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Age Concern, Help the Aged and consumer watchdog Which? – have joined together to form the People’s Pensions Coalition to campaign for fair pensions reform.
A statement released by the new coalition, warned that Britain was heading towards a “pensions crisis”.
The Pensions Commission is currently examining the pensions system and exploring possible changes. Work and Pensions secretary David Blunkett has also not ruled out the possibility of introducing compulsory saving towards pensions. However, the People’s Pensions Coalition warned that most people could not afford to save for a pension, while those that can are not saving enough.
The coalition said that everyone should be able to depend on state pension provision, which “lifts pensioners above the poverty line”. The pension system also needed to be fairer for women, the coalition added, and should be based on the idea of everyone building up their own independent pensions entitlement.
The coalition also said that employers and employees should contribute to a pension, which would provide an additional pension on top of the state pension.
However, a survey published by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) last week found that one in five firms would cut jobs if they were forced to pay into pension schemes for their employees. The BCC warned that forcing employers to pay into pension schemes for their staff would increase the cost of employing someone and force some firms to reduce their workforce in order to meet the cost.
Commenting on the new coalition, Mervyn Kohler, head of public affairs at Help the Aged, said: “The existing state pension system is failing to protect pensioners from poverty and does not provide a firm foundation for saving.
“The People’s Pension Coalition will work to convince the government that fudging the necessary decisions on pensions reform will not solve the pensions crisis. The government now has an obligation to ensure a decent retirement for both today’s and tomorrow’s pensioners.”
(KMcA/CL)
Four organisations – the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Age Concern, Help the Aged and consumer watchdog Which? – have joined together to form the People’s Pensions Coalition to campaign for fair pensions reform.
A statement released by the new coalition, warned that Britain was heading towards a “pensions crisis”.
The Pensions Commission is currently examining the pensions system and exploring possible changes. Work and Pensions secretary David Blunkett has also not ruled out the possibility of introducing compulsory saving towards pensions. However, the People’s Pensions Coalition warned that most people could not afford to save for a pension, while those that can are not saving enough.
The coalition said that everyone should be able to depend on state pension provision, which “lifts pensioners above the poverty line”. The pension system also needed to be fairer for women, the coalition added, and should be based on the idea of everyone building up their own independent pensions entitlement.
The coalition also said that employers and employees should contribute to a pension, which would provide an additional pension on top of the state pension.
However, a survey published by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) last week found that one in five firms would cut jobs if they were forced to pay into pension schemes for their employees. The BCC warned that forcing employers to pay into pension schemes for their staff would increase the cost of employing someone and force some firms to reduce their workforce in order to meet the cost.
Commenting on the new coalition, Mervyn Kohler, head of public affairs at Help the Aged, said: “The existing state pension system is failing to protect pensioners from poverty and does not provide a firm foundation for saving.
“The People’s Pension Coalition will work to convince the government that fudging the necessary decisions on pensions reform will not solve the pensions crisis. The government now has an obligation to ensure a decent retirement for both today’s and tomorrow’s pensioners.”
(KMcA/CL)
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Retirement age to rise to 68
The state pension age is to rise to 68, under new pension proposals announced by the government today. The government's White Paper on pensions reform said that the state pension age will be increased gradually, rising to 66 between 2024 and 2026, then 67 between 2034 and 2036 and finally 68 between 2044 and 2046.
25 July 2005
Pension Age 'should rise to 67'
The pension age in the UK should be raised to 67, a report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has suggested.
Pension Age 'should rise to 67'
The pension age in the UK should be raised to 67, a report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has suggested.
29 July 2003
Majority of people have scant knowledge of pensions
Research published today by the Department for Work and Pensions suggests that around half the population has little or no knowledge of pension provision. The research looked at private pension provision among people of working age in Britain and collected information on people's attitudes towards pensions and saving for retirement.
Majority of people have scant knowledge of pensions
Research published today by the Department for Work and Pensions suggests that around half the population has little or no knowledge of pension provision. The research looked at private pension provision among people of working age in Britain and collected information on people's attitudes towards pensions and saving for retirement.
20 February 2006
CBI warns employer compulsion is wrong answer
The CBI today has unveiled proposals to help tackle the UK's emerging pensions crisis without compelling business to contribute to staff pension schemes. The employers' organisation argued, in its submission to the Government, that enrolment without compulsion is the best way of increasing pensions saving without undermining existing provision.
CBI warns employer compulsion is wrong answer
The CBI today has unveiled proposals to help tackle the UK's emerging pensions crisis without compelling business to contribute to staff pension schemes. The employers' organisation argued, in its submission to the Government, that enrolment without compulsion is the best way of increasing pensions saving without undermining existing provision.
15 April 2005
Conservatives pledge to 'simplify' pension rules
The Conservatives have unveiled proposals to “reduce and simplify complex pensions rules” and promised to encourage more firms to provide pension schemes for workers.
Conservatives pledge to 'simplify' pension rules
The Conservatives have unveiled proposals to “reduce and simplify complex pensions rules” and promised to encourage more firms to provide pension schemes for workers.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
