Jump in pensions complaints

The number of complaints coming before the Pensions Ombudsman is up by over 40%.

Provisional figures for 2008 show that there were 737 new cases received last year, compared to 515 in 2007.

Complaints against the construction sector were up significantly.

And it is being predicted that there will be further increases this year because of the downturn in the construction industry.

Ombudsman Paul Kenny has warned employers that there are steep penalties for those who do not comply with the law.