Staff at retailer WH Smith could be asked to contribute as much as 8 per cent of their salaries to help fill a pensions funding gap.

The company is in talks with staff over how to address the final salary scheme shortfall, which stood at £151 million at the end of August.

WH Smith declined to comment on the options under consideration, or the prospect reported in the Sunday Times yesterday that staff may have to pay up to a third of the cost of their pensions.

Staff currently do not have to make any contribution.

A spokeswoman said: "There is a shortfall and we do have to look at how we manage that. We will be consulting staff about any changes we need to make."

Monday December 01, 2003