QUARRY workers are demonstrating today against a possible loss in pension benefits.

The workers at the LaFarge quarry at Thrislington, near Ferryhill, County Durham, are demonstrating outside the entrance to the plant over changes to their pension schemes.

The protestors, who are all over 50, are using their lunch breaks to stage the demonstration over fears that their pensions would not be protected in the event of redundancies.

Under the pension scheme if a LaFarge worker is made redundant their pension is paid up to what it would be if they were 65.

A potential management buyout means LaFarge Lime employees would have a new pension scheme which would not have these benefits.

The company has made an offer of £5,000 to each person, but the older workers feel this would not be enough if there were any redundancies.

Employee Derek Wood said: "Basically, if someone is made redundant after August 1 they could lose 42 per cent of their pension. That could be a lot of money and £5,000 wouldn't cover it if they were made redundant."

A spokesman for LaFarge said the company was aware of the issues, but nothing had been finalised.

He said: "The pension arrangements for LaFarge employees are under discussion directly with the employees and the consultation is continuing.

"Obviously, the management is aware that there are a few people who are concerned on the impact on pensions."