Stakeholder pensions helpline launched

A new telephone helpline is now available to people looking for general, impartial advice on stakeholder pensions.

The service, funded by the Department of Social Security and the government's financial watchdog the Financial Services Authority, will be run by the OPAS pensions advisory service. Trained staff will be able to explain to callers how stakeholder schemes must operate and the rights members will have; what employers will be required to do; and the relationship between a stakeholder pension and existing pension provision.

The helpline will not provide specific financial advice and will not market stakeholder pensions or schemes.

Stakeholder pensions helpline: 0845 601 2923; calls are charged at local rates and lines are open from 8.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.