Shopworkers’ union Usdaw has gained government funding to launch a pension awareness campaign, to help store workers better understand key issues surrounding pension funds.

The campaign will include funding for a new website, in-depth seminars for union members, who include Co-op staff, and a range of home study courses.

Usdaw general secretary John Hannett said: “Our members tell us that they find the world of pensions very daunting so this funding from the Pension Education Fund will help us demystify how pensions work and make sure more retail staff make the right decisions for their retirement.”

The move by the union follows a tense time at the Co-operative Group after the retailer decided to ditch its final salary pension scheme.