Amicus calls for minimum pension contribution by employers

Trade
union Amicus is calling for employers to contribute to a minimum pension for
staff.

Derek
Simpson, Amicus joint secretary, wants the Government to introduce compulsory
pensions contributions for both employers and staff.

He
said their should be a minimum contribution from employers of 10 per cent, and
5 per cent from staff.

Amicus
wants the Government to fund employers who will struggle to run their own
scheme through government bonds.

"The
argument for a minimum is clear," Simpson said. "There should be a
commitment by staff but employers must be compelled to make minimum
contribution to their employees’ pension regardless of structure.

"The
immediate cost of a minimum pension would be low, while the cost of not
introducing compulsory pensions contributions will be devastating both to
individuals facing poverty and to the economy burdened by dependants."

Amicus’
is hosting a pension conference today.

By Paul Nelson