AROUND 12,000 workers across Bromsgrove are now saving towards their retirement, new figures have shown.

Statistics released by the Pensions Regulator show 1,660 businesses in the constituency have enrolled in the government's auto-enrolment scheme since it launched in 2012.

Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey said: "Saving at a young age for pensions is vital and that is why I believe the automatic enrolment will change the way future generations think.

"It will become the norm for people to put away money for later in life.

“We have made great success with this scheme but I know we need to go further and that is why we are going to lower the age for automatic enrolment to 18 which will benefit another 900,000 people across the country."

Currently employers must enrol staff aged 22 and over, who earn more than £10,000 into a pension.

Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid said: "Local businesses in Bromsgrove are showing how committed they are to helping their employees save for a future and I am delighted to see so many businesses on board.

"I want to thank business owners for supporting the government’s drive to change the way people save and plan for their future.”