Pension poser

IT is understandable that the trade unions want to protect the pensions of some of the more lower-paid public sector works – there is a huge gulf between these entitlements and the amounts accrued by senior managers.

By The Newsroom

Published 2nd Aug 2011, 07:00 BST

Yet, before Britain is beset by another wave of strikes, some perspective is required. This is a crisis that is afflicting the whole of the economy and is just as acute in the private sector.

It is a sobering fact that up to 14 million workers will retire with pension pots that are far smaller than those accumulated by their parents. It does not end here. Research being published by the Department of Work and Pensions this week is expected to reveal that some children born today can expect to live to 120 years of age.

However, while the presence of a Conservative-led coalition is a convenient target for the unions, it should be remembered that this issue has taxed successive administration. And it will continue to do so until a Minister can persuade more people to save for retirement – and that this is a worthwhile investment which will not be compromised at a future date.

Britain