A delegation from Bradford-based United Co-operatives has lobbied the Government on the issue of pension contributions.

The group, led by chief executive Peter Marks, met with Ruth Kelly MP, financial secretary to the Treasury to urge support for firms which offer well-funded final salary schemes to staff.

The talks followed United Co-op's announcement that it is contributing £3 million to its main pension fund.

Mr Marks said: "Like all good employers, United Co-op is very keen to continue to provide the best possible pensions for our staff. Govern-ment actions, however, are making that more and more difficult.

"We wanted an opportunity to urge the Government to stop doing things which make it harder and harder for employers to provide such schemes.

"We also had a number of positive suggestions to put to the minister which would make it easier for employers to provide well-funded schemes."