The Government yesterday moved to head off growing industrial unrest by pledging not to make people work until they were 70 and announcing a big change on pensions.
New Work and Pensions Secretary Alan Johnson said the state retirement age would not be raised, answering fears that people could be forced to work until they dropped.
He also unveiled plans to ensure that half of pension scheme trustees were nominated by members.
Union leaders warmly welcomed both announcements, made at the TUC Congress in Brighton, as giving "proper power to the people".
Wednesday September 15, 2004
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