The summit was attended by over 140 people, including MPs from all major parties, pensions experts, Government representatives and many workers affected by these problems. 

The Minister for Pensions, Malcolm Wicks MP, faced some tough questions from Kevin Brennan and other delegates, but was unable at this stage to make any commitment to a compensation package.

Ros Altmann, a pensions expert and lecturer at London School of Economics, outlined the Government’s responsibilities to these workers and offered solutions to the problems of funding any compensation package. 

There were also statements by workers from around the country, including John Benson from ASW Cardiff, who had not only lost their jobs but face the possibility of losing their pensions as a result of companies’ insolvency.

Said Kevin Brennan

‘This was a useful meeting which helped to reveal the human stories behind the Occupational Pensions crisis at ASW and elsewhere.  No-one who heard the accounts from workers across Britain who have lost their pensions could not have been moved by the injustice they have suffered.

I will continue to argue for compensation to be included in the Pensions Bill expected to be announced in the Queen’s Speech later this month.’