THE Co-op Group, which has stores in Westbury and Melksham, has caused concern among employees by changing its pension scheme.
The chain has axed a scheme based on final salary, replacing it with a career average scheme, meaning employees in Co-op retail stores face having to make larger monthly payments, just to maintain their present pension provision.
Retail union Usdaw has expressed concern at the decision. National officer Sharon Ainsworth said: "This decision that will leave most of their staff worse off is at odds with the traditions of the Co-operative movement and their much vaunted ethical trading policy."
However the Co-op Group argues this new scheme is a positive step forward.
Nick Eyre, the group secretary said: "The scheme is fair and equitable for all employees and is more suited to flexible working and lifestyle patterns."
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