SPECIAL Metals Wiggin's pensioners are calling for an end to an eight-year stranglehold on pension increases.

The 1,500 ex-employees have not seen their pensions go up since 1995 resulting in a 20 per cent drop in monthly income in real terms.

The freeze comes on the back of a 25-year 'payment holiday' when the company under Inco, then Special Metals management, did not make any contribution to the pension fund.

With payments restarting in 2001 pensioners hope the company will now recognise their right to an increase.

A statement from the Pensioners Representation Committee said: "We strongly believe a fair deal for their pensioners must be Special Metals Wiggin's first priority.

"Further contribution holidays cannot be tolerated until the company treats its pensioners fairly."

The company will meet with an independent actuary later this year to review the policy.

Personnel manager Robert Hunt said: "The company reviews pensions in payment at least every three years and will do so during 2003.

"Reviews in previous years since 1995 have not resulted in increases to pensions because of the financial state of the company at the time."