18/08/2005
Firms face pressure on pensions
Fewer than one in ten employers mention pension provisions in their job advertisements, a report by the Trades Union Congress has claimed.
According to the TUC’s annual survey, only 6.1% - 69 advertisements out of 1,132 - mentioned a pension, a decrease of 0.5% from 2004 figures. The survey also found that only 29 advertisements referred to a final salary scheme.
The figures were based on evidence based in a number of newspapers, including the ‘Sunday Times’, the ‘Guardian’, the ‘Evening Standard’ and the ‘Daily Mirror’, during a two-week period in July.
The figures are worse than the previous years, the TUC claimed. In 2004, researchers found that 6.6% - 101 advertisements out of 1,519 – mentioned a pension, with only half of those mentioning a final salary scheme. Only 13 of the advertisements mentioned the level of employer contribution.
The TUC described the findings as a “poor response”, especially in light of encouragement from the Department for Work and Pensions for firms to mention pensions in their job adverts.
The DWP recently arranged for all adverts through Jobcentre Plus to include pension information as part of their ‘Informed Choice’ programme.
Commenting on the findings, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “Employers who offer workplace pension schemes should be boasting about it. Those who don’t are missing a golden opportunity to attract and retain key workers who are seeking a pension in their benefits package.
“If all job adverts gave clear information on their pension schemes, prospective employees would take the advertisement more seriously.”
(KMcA/SP)
According to the TUC’s annual survey, only 6.1% - 69 advertisements out of 1,132 - mentioned a pension, a decrease of 0.5% from 2004 figures. The survey also found that only 29 advertisements referred to a final salary scheme.
The figures were based on evidence based in a number of newspapers, including the ‘Sunday Times’, the ‘Guardian’, the ‘Evening Standard’ and the ‘Daily Mirror’, during a two-week period in July.
The figures are worse than the previous years, the TUC claimed. In 2004, researchers found that 6.6% - 101 advertisements out of 1,519 – mentioned a pension, with only half of those mentioning a final salary scheme. Only 13 of the advertisements mentioned the level of employer contribution.
The TUC described the findings as a “poor response”, especially in light of encouragement from the Department for Work and Pensions for firms to mention pensions in their job adverts.
The DWP recently arranged for all adverts through Jobcentre Plus to include pension information as part of their ‘Informed Choice’ programme.
Commenting on the findings, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “Employers who offer workplace pension schemes should be boasting about it. Those who don’t are missing a golden opportunity to attract and retain key workers who are seeking a pension in their benefits package.
“If all job adverts gave clear information on their pension schemes, prospective employees would take the advertisement more seriously.”
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 April 2005
Pension Protection Fund launches
A scheme to protect employees' pension schemes in the event of their employer declaring bankruptcy has been launched.
Pension Protection Fund launches
A scheme to protect employees' pension schemes in the event of their employer declaring bankruptcy has been launched.
08 December 2011
Gov Attempt To Resuscitate NHS Pension Deal
The Government is to put forward a revised pension deal for NHS workers that could see the lowest paid taken out of the higher contributions. Nurses on low professional pay grades along with health staff earning under £26,500 will be protected from the rise, the Department of Health is expected to say.
Gov Attempt To Resuscitate NHS Pension Deal
The Government is to put forward a revised pension deal for NHS workers that could see the lowest paid taken out of the higher contributions. Nurses on low professional pay grades along with health staff earning under £26,500 will be protected from the rise, the Department of Health is expected to say.
06 July 2011
Radical Pension Changes To Affect Local Businesses
Private sector employers need to take action now to prepare for a significant overhaul of employee pension provision or face playing catch up on one of the biggest issues to impact the business community for decades, according to a leading UK pension’s expert.
Radical Pension Changes To Affect Local Businesses
Private sector employers need to take action now to prepare for a significant overhaul of employee pension provision or face playing catch up on one of the biggest issues to impact the business community for decades, according to a leading UK pension’s expert.
27 June 2011
Tough Times Ahead For The NHS, Warns BMA Chairman
British Medical Association (BMA) Chairman of Council, Dr Hamish Meldrum, today warned of tough times ahead as he set out the key challenges for the NHS in his opening speech to the BMA’s annual conference.
Tough Times Ahead For The NHS, Warns BMA Chairman
British Medical Association (BMA) Chairman of Council, Dr Hamish Meldrum, today warned of tough times ahead as he set out the key challenges for the NHS in his opening speech to the BMA’s annual conference.
20 May 2010
Royal Mail's Profits Masks Pension Deficit
As Royal Mail Group today announced continued good performance - with operating profit rising by £83 million to £404m - the new Government has confirmed that it will seek "a partial privatisation". In its latest coalition agreement document, Downing Street said it would seek "an injection of private capital" in Royal Mail.
Royal Mail's Profits Masks Pension Deficit
As Royal Mail Group today announced continued good performance - with operating profit rising by £83 million to £404m - the new Government has confirmed that it will seek "a partial privatisation". In its latest coalition agreement document, Downing Street said it would seek "an injection of private capital" in Royal Mail.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.