date: 5 June 2007

embargo: 00:01 hours Thursday June 7 2007

TUC Pensions Champions to take advice to workplace

Minister of State for Pensions James Purnell MP will launch a TUC network of Pensions Champions who will deliver pensions information and (non-regulated) advice in workplaces up and down the country at the TUC's headquarters later today (Thursday).

TUC Pensions Champions are volunteers who are receiving training on how to deliver advice and information to their workplace colleagues on pensions. They will use a new on-line 'pensions doctor' that helps individuals gather information about their own pensions situation, and can help suggest future action they can take to improve their retirement income.

Pensions Champions will help colleagues use the pensions doctor website to build up a pensions profile by asking them to provide information about their state pension contributions, any personal pension savings and their membership of occupational pension schemes. As few people will have this information at their fingertips, the website will allow users to add information to their profile as they gather it, and Pensions Champions will be able to assist colleagues in gathering information.

Once a profile has been built up, the pensions doctor will provide a forecast, using standard industry assumptions, and provide information about how users can best improve their pensions position. The pensions doctor is available online for any user who wishes to use it.

Anyone who wants to be a Pensions Champion - and the scheme is open to both union and non-union members - or who wants to use the pensions doctor can find out more at www.pensionschampions.org.uk

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber, who will launch the programme with James Purnell and Work and Pensions Select Committee member Natascha Engel MP at Congress House at 5pm this evening, said: 'Many people are not saving enough for their pension. Pensions Champions can help spread information and knowledge in Britain's workplaces. They can help workmates find out their pensions prospects, and help them save more. There are far too many people who do not join generous employer schemes, and Pensions Champions can help colleagues make the most of their employer scheme.'

James Purnell said: 'Many people do not know where to go for advice and information about their pension, or are worried about finding it difficult or intimidating. Workplace initiatives are one way to overcome these barriers. This TUC scheme to train up volunteers and provide a web resource they can use to help give their work colleagues a personal pensions profile shows real promise.'

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Contacts:

Media enquiries: Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337; M: 07900 910624;
E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk

Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248; M: 07778 158175; E: media@tuc.org.uk

Press release (500 words) issued 7 Jun 2007