Three changes to the state pension could help thousands of women enjoy a better retirement, the TUC said yesterday.

The Chancellor was urged to improve women's pensions after research showed they were retiring on just over half the money men get.

Fewer than a third of women have a private pension.

The TUC called on the Chancellor to abolish a rule stopping people with less than ten years' National Insurance (NI) contributions getting the state pension.

The TUC said women would benefit if they were allowed to backdate NI contributions or continue building up entitlement beyond the age of 60.

Thursday March 11, 2004