Fresh hope for factory pensions

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7046536.stm

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Hundreds of former factory workers who lost out on their pensions have been given fresh hope of compensation.

The workers were employed by Londonderry textiles company Desmonds which went into liquidation in 2004 with a £13m shortfall in the scheme.

Foyle MP Mark Durkan said he held "positive" talks with the minister for pension reform, Mike O'Brien, on Monday who was "extremely sympathetic".

Mr Durkan has called for a change in the law to compensate the workers.

"He (Mr O'Brien) understands exactly the predicament of these workers who, through no fault of their own, are denied the value of the pension that they worked for, paid for and earned," Mr Durkan said.

"He has indicated to me that, subject to the Young Review, which is to be published at the end of November, he would be willing to legislate."