Written question asked by Peter L Pike (Labour) on Friday, 14 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 November 2003. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 November 2003 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what (a) representations and (b) discussions he has had in the last 12 months on the take-up of occupational pensions by part-time workers; and if he will make a statement. - Including figures.

Answer: Mr. Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what (a) representations and (b) discussions he has had in the last 12 months on the take-up of occupational pensions by part-time workers; and if he will make a statement. [139443] Malcolm Wicks: The issue of lower occupational pension coverage by part-time compared to full-time workers was brought up for discussion during the Green Paper Consultation events by various different employers, women's lobby groups and other organisations with an interest in the Women and Pensions Agenda. The Government is seeking to address this inequality through the Informed Choice Programme. One example is the employer-based pilots we propose to introduce in spring next year. These pilots are aimed at those employers who do not contribute at least 3 per cent to a private pension for their employees and will require the employer to offer information or advice within the workplace to help employees make their own private pension arrangements. Making sure that all employees, including part-time workers, fully appreciate the value of employer contributions if these are offered, will also be an integral part of the Informed Choice programme.

Secondary information