Heineken has denied breaking promises to Scottish & Newcastle workers over pension commitments passed on following its takeover of the company in 2008.

The Dutch brewer has been criticised by hundreds of S&N pub and brewery staff, who claim Heineken reneged on a pledge to increase their pension plans in line with retail prices.

But Heineken insists no increases were guaranteed.

“We have certainly not broken any commitments to pensioners,” the brewer said. “The discretionary decision we took [last year] was based on the outlook for our fund at that time and will be reviewed again later this year.”

Representatives of the pension scheme, which has a £570m deficit, have called on the House of Commons business select committee to investigate the alleged U-turn.

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