The government has sought to rebut a call for the restoration of the earnings link for the basic state benefit and raising the retirement age to 67.

Work and pensions secretary Alistair Darling said that the report by the Institute for Public Policy Research was "simplistic"

Forum Response: Unison

A spokesperson for Unison told ePolitix.com: "The current pension system perpetuates poverty and inequality.

"As MPs vote themselves one of the best defined benefit pension schemes in the country, the government continues to push second and third-rate schemes with reduced benefits for their constituents.

"With more workers facing pensions uncertainty, retirement for corporate fat cats couldn't look better. According to an Institute of Public Policy and Research report, company directors will continue reaping hugely disproportionate rewards even when they retire.

"This isn't just an issue for people about to retire - young people today will have to work until they are 72 to ensure a decent pension - unless the government acts now."