UK unions take pensions protest to Downing St

British union activists will stage a protest march past Downing Street today to support workers who have lost their pensions after their employers went bust.

The demonstration will also call for the restoration of the link between the state pension and average earnings.

Jack Dromey, deputy general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union, who will be speaking at the march, said: “In Labour’s historic third term, the government must now act to honour their manifesto pledges to protect pensions and convince the electorate that pensions are safe in Labour’s hands.”

Amicus general secretary, Derek Simpson, added: “The government have taken steps to help restore pensions confidence but we believe that compulsory pension contributions and tax concessions for the lowest paid, are vital if people are to be encouraged to save throughout their working lives for retirement.”