Pensions anger

UNIONS were demanding answers from tycoon Philip Green on why staff at his Arcadia fashion group must work an extra five years for a full pension.

Shop workers' union Usdaw said its members were worried their retirement could be made financially less secure by changes to the Arcadia pension fund.

Arcadia has told staff they must raise their monthly payments into the pension fund by a third or see their future payouts reduced, Usdaw said.

Gift shop buyer

THE future of gift shop chain Past Times was secured by new owners just days after its parent company went into administration.

The firm, which has 95 stores in Britain, including ones in Worcester and Hereford, was bought by a private equity firm on Monday in a deal that will see the former boss of Tie Rack and Whittard of Chelsea take the helm.

Past Times employs about 900 full-time and 450 part-time staff.

Burgers bust

A BURGER, pastry and sausage maker which blamed falling sales on Jamie Oliver's campaign for healthier school dinners said it would go into administration after failing to tackle debts estimated at £20m.

Canterbury Foods, which sells products to wholesalers who then supply schools, pub brands and sandwich makers, has been forced to seek the appointment of an administrator over its assets after banks refused a refinancing proposal.