Two-thirds of businesses could be set to reduce their pension contributions over the next 12 months, it has been reported.
Latest research figures from Aon Consulting claim 67 per cent of UK firms are hoping to cut the amount they put into final salary pension plans over the next year.
Factors such as the credit crunch and an increasing number of schemes falling into losses have been pinpointed as reasons behind the results.
Marcus Hurd, a senior consultant and actuary for the firm, claimed "the threat of an impending recession is causing companies to haul in discretionary spends".
He added the trend may not be as bad as it first appears, stating: "The apparent intent to reduce contributions may seem alarming, but cash is not the only solution to pension scheme funding."
Meanwhile, a study by the Trade Union Congress has claimed some bosses retire with a pension worth 25 times more than that of their workers.
The research suggests the highest payment for a top director came in at £333,460 a year.
