MacShane Urges Government to Consult with Unions on Steel Pensions

Rotherham MP Denis MacShane has told the Pensions Minister to consult with trade unions like Community and Amicus on steel and related industry pensions.

In an exchange in the Commons, MacShane told Pensions Minister, Stephen Timms, that many workers in the steel industry “are without properly protected pension funds because for 18 years the Conservative Party did not stand up to business and insist that adequate laws existed to protect them.”

The MP praised the work of the steel union Community and Amicus and asked the Pensions Minister to consult with them. Timms agreed to meet any union delegations and paid “tribute to the trade unions that have done a lot of work to draw attentions to the problem.”

(Below Hansard from 9 January 2006)

Mr. Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): My hon. Friend will be aware that the ASW workers are part of a broader network of people, especially steelworkers, who find that after decades of service to our country, they are without properly protected pension funds because for 18 years the Conservative party did not stand up to business and insist that adequate laws existed to protect such people. Will he acknowledge the work of trade unions such as Amicus and Community, and if and when this is needed, will he receive a delegation from them, because they know the real problems of these great workers, who we need to support as much as we can?

Mr. Timms: I agree with my right hon. Friend about the difficulties that many people have faced. I join him in paying tribute to the trade unions that have done a lot of work to draw attention to the problem. A large group of people—we have been especially concerned about those closest to retirement—faced the prospect of receiving almost nothing from a pension to which they contributed for many years. People who were within three years of their scheme pension age in May 2004 will be receiving assistance, in many cases, from the financial assistance scheme. I have had the opportunity to meet individuals from several trade unions and others who have made representations on the matter. As I said earlier, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will meet some people later this week, and I will certainly welcome the opportunity to talk to others in due course.