Green light for pensions champions

Prospect is to set up a network of workplace pensions champions to help members handle the many retirement choices they now face. Conference backed a proposal by the national executive to give full support to the TUC's pensions champions project.

People now understood pensions issues much better than in the past, but how they actually work is less well understood, said Audrey Uppington, moving the NEC motion. The TUC project aimed to explain to members at work the options available to them, she said. It includes a pensions website and the facility for members to build up their own personal pensions profile.

"Many young people and women in particular are not saving enough towards their pension," said Uppington. Prospect will encourage members to become pensions champions, provide training and encourage them to take advantage of TUC training opportunities.

Supporting, retired members’ delegate Mike Moriarty said there was a growing need for this service as pensions professionals were increasingly reluctant to give any advice at all because of the stringent regulations on giving financial advice. The motion was carried.