WH Smith workers in pension protest

Workers at retail giant WH Smith will stage a protest today against the firm’s plans to close its final salary pension scheme.

Union officials from Amicus will join the demonstration outside a store in Swindon aimed at persuading the high street giant to reverse its plans.

National officer Ann Field accused WH Smith of “driving down” the pension entitlement of workers on low wages.

She said: “We will do everything in our power to preserve our members’ hard-won rights. Companies must not be allowed to freely erode pension benefits and leave working people facing poverty pay in retirement.

“This is disgraceful treatment of long-serving loyal workers who have stood by the company during some very difficult times.”