Organiser Brian Gallagher said past and present print sector members had made up a large number of those present, with a number of print firms' pension funds owed monies from companies going into liquidation. Examples include George Waterston (Security Printers), Perivan White Dove and Imperial Home Dcor.

The march was also in support of those workers whose pensions have been affected by company attacks on benefits, and in support of the restoration of the state pension earnings link.

The demonstration even caught the attention of newly appointed work and pensions secretary David Blunkett who heard of the march on the radio and called the organisers in for an immediate meeting.

"We remain cautiously optimistic," said Gallagher, who said that the minister wanted to work on towards resolving their issues.

The union welcomed the Financial Assistance Scheme set up by the government to aid those who have lost all or part of their pension through companies being wound-up. But it believes that the 400m allocated to the scheme will not be enough to alleviate the problem.

Amicus believes that compulsory pension contributions for employers and employees, with tax concessions for the low paid, are essential in tackling the pensions crisis.

Story by Andy Scott