A clear messages was given to UK employers at the Society of Pension Consultants' strategic conference in London on December 3 - that if occupational pensions are to work, the damage done to their image amongst workers must be repaired.

One of the major problems is that there is a huge divergence between the rising cost of the pension to the employer and its perceived value to the employee, according to Sir Michael Perry, chairman of Centrica, who addressed the conference.

SPC President Donald Duval says: "I agree that new ideas and practices are needed. Better communication and education are essential, as well as pensions which cater for employees' changing needs.

We are indebted to Sir Michael for pointing out the gap between the cost of pensions and their perceived worth. He also told us that this is just one example of UK industry failing to manage its most precious human resources properly".

Continuous audience reaction to speakers' presentations was enabled through an electronic feedback system. This allowed participants to be asked a range of detailed questions relating to the themes under discussion as they arose. The full answers to the 29 questions posed can be seen by clicking here.