3 Millionth Worker Gets a Workplace Pension

Over 3 million workers have for the first time been given a workplace pension, according to figures from the Pensions Regulator. The 3 millionth worker is employed by West Ham United.

The new scheme, which Liberal Democrats in Government began rolling out in 2012, provides workers with a safe, private pension that both their employer and the Government pay in to. This tops up the worker's contributions significantly.

Welcoming this news, the Lib Dem Pensions Minister, Steve Webb, said: "Before automatic enrolment, pension saving in this country was at a very low level. Too few people were being offered the opportunity to save into a workplace pension. We have restored fairness by ensuring pensions are no longer the preserve of the fortunate few.

"We have kicked off a savings revolution that will benefit millions in their retirement."

Liberal Democrats introduced this scheme, which will eventually see 9 million workers access a workplace pension, to address chronic under-saving, with millions not putting aside enough for retirement. Previously only 1 in 3 private sector employees had been paying into a workplace pension.

So far more than 10,000 employers of all types from charities to supermarkets, hospitals to football clubs - have automatically enrolled their workers.

Thousands of medium sized employers will follow them over the next 6 months