BRITAIN'S largest private sector union says a nationwide requirement for all employees and employers to contribute is vital to end the pensions crisis.

Amicus believes a scheme similar to the one in Australia is essential to address this country's pension problems.

The estimated pensions savings gap between the estimated required level of pensions savings and the actual level is £27 billion.

Amicus general secretary Derek Simpson said: "Legislation compelling employers and employees to make minimum pension contributions throughout their working lives is required to ensure that people save enough for their retirement and to protect pension schemes."

"This would also protect the position of good employers who offer good schemes and stop rogue employers closing viable schemes."