This week’s announcement of extra support for the thousands of Allied Steel & Wire workers who lost their pensions is a fantastic success and testament to the hard work of people from across the board.  Ex-workers, trade unions, politicians and the media have all played their part in the struggle to find pensions justice for all those workers who were left stranded when their employer went bust.

I remember laying amendments to the Pensions Bill to introduce the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) which lead to the breakthrough of financial support for ASW workers.  Now the FAS will protect 90% of the pensions of employees who lost their pension when ASW went bust..

It has been a long and difficult fight for ASW workers, but this announcement is a welcome one.  The Financial Assistance Scheme will be extended to those ASW workers who lost their pensions and will benefit 140,000 workers in total across the UK.

I’m delighted that my constituents have won their fight.  Whilst some might say it’s taken a long time, we should remember that most of the people this affected have not yet reached retirement age – this announcement will ensure that they can retire more comfortably and recognises the years of contributions towards their pensions.

It just goes to show how real politics can help real people.  The problem was caused by inadequate protection under laws passed by the previous government.  I am pleased that this government has put that right.