The Government has issued regulation obliging companies to consult their employees before introducing any changes to their pension scheme provision.

Firm will have to enter into discussions with staff at least 60 days before any major change.

The new regulations were laid before Parliament yesterday and will be debated in the House of Commons before coming into force on 6 April.

The move comes after a number of companies, including high-profile organisations such as Rentokil Initial and the Co-op, have tried to make controversial alterations to staff pension benefits without consulting staff and unions.