Tim Sargisson: Steel yourself for another pension scandal

Decent register would help

clock • 3 min read

Some of the stories about advice to British Steel Pension Scheme members shame financial services, says Tim Sargisson, and until such behaviour stops, the sector will always struggle to be viewed as a true 'profession'

As a small boy I still remember the sense of awe crossing the then recently opened Severn Bridge, with its 988-metre centre span and 29,000km of steel cables. It was a triumph of engineering and has stood the test of time as it enters its fifth decade. Without British Steel it is uncertain whether the solid foundations would have existed to create this behemoth. It is, however, becoming clear that phrases, such as ‘solid foundations' and ‘standing the test of time' are unlikely to be attributed to the firm's pension arrangements. Every one of the 130,000 steelworkers who are members o...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Feel Good Friday: Aviva launches unified charitable foundation

Feel Good Friday: Aviva launches unified charitable foundation

Grant-giving and donation programmes now under the Aviva Foundation

Professional Adviser
clock 16 January 2026 • 1 min read
Meeting the needs of vulnerable consumers in financial services

Meeting the needs of vulnerable consumers in financial services

'The dynamic nature of vulnerability can make determining who's in scope complicated'

Shriya Patel
clock 14 January 2026 • 4 min read
Ten firms achieved CII Chartered status in second half of 2025

Ten firms achieved CII Chartered status in second half of 2025

Across financial planning and insurance

Jenna Brown
clock 13 January 2026 • 1 min read