The CBI has warned its members that it may support plans to make employer pensions contributions compulsory.

Digby Jones, its director general, told today's Times: "Am I ruling out of court forever compulsory pensions contributions? No, because I would like to listen to any idea. But it depends what compulsion means."

Jones is also calling on the prime minister to press President Bush on the US's protectionist stance on issues such as steel tariffs during next week's state visit.