Labour-backing union bosses have written to Sir Keir Starmer urging him to reconsider the decision not to compensate 1950s-born women.
Liz Kendall announces Waspi women will not receive compensation
Union bosses have slammed the UK Government’s failure to compensate millions of 1950s-born women affected by changes to their State Pension age, one year on from the publication of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s (PHSO) final report, which recommended a redress scheme equivalent to level four on its banding scale – worth between £1,000 and £2,950.
In a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, they said ministers have set a “dangerous precedent” following their decision to disregard the Ombudsman’s recommendations for redress, adding “we urgently call on you to reconsider your decision and fairly compensate all affected women.”
The union leaders argue that the UK Government’s decision risks “eroding public trust” and urges the Prime Minister to change course, citing that WASPI women (Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign) have “worked tirelessly” throughout their lives.
READ MORE: DWP stands firm on decision not to pay women State Pension age compensationREAD MORE: New WASPI compensation battle for millions of women as High Court review begins
In a statement to Parliament on December 16, 2024, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said that, while the Labour Government accepted the Ombudsman’s findings of maladministration by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and apologised for there being a delay in writing to 1950s-born women.
However, Ms Kendall also said that a blanket compensation scheme – which would cost taxpayers between £3.5 billion and £10.5 billion – could not be justified.
The signatories include some of the largest union leaders:
- Gary Smith, General Secretary, GMB
- Christina McAnea, General Secretary, UNISON
- Dave Ward, General Secretary, Communication Workers Union
- Maryam Eslamdoust, General Secretary, Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association
- Steve Wright, General Secretary, Fire Brigades Union
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “These women lost out on their pensions through no fault of their own. Many now face a much poorer retirement.
“Ministers should do the right thing and grant the compensation that’s owed.”
The WASPI campaign estimates more than 3.5 million women born in the 1950s were affected by increases to their State Pension age, implemented by successive governments.
Campaigners say this plunged tens of thousands of women into poverty and many were left with little time to make alternative arrangements for their retirement.
Some of the worst affected individuals received just a few months’ notice of a six-year increase to their State Pension age.
Last week, the WASPI campaign launched a High Court judicial review in a bid to challenge the UK Government’s position and force a rethink on a redress scheme for all women affected.
Angela Madden, Chair of Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the strong support we continue to receive from across the trade union movement, and indeed in Parliament and every corner of the country.
“Nobody would have expected that one year after the publication of the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s report we would still have to be asking 1950s-born women to raise funds for a legal case to secure justice, especially under a Labour government that is meant to fight for social justice and equality.
“With the launch of a judicial review on Monday (March 17), the Government now has an opportunity now to get around the table and engage meaningfully with us. If they don’t, they will have to continue to defend the indefensible, but this time in front of senior judges.”
Campaigners have vowed to fight on for justice, while Sir Keir has faced widespread criticism in recent days from MPs and trade unions opposed to proposed welfare reform plans and spending cuts.
Letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
The trade union letter to the Prime Minister was sent on March 21 with the subject heading ‘Compensating women affected by State Pension age changes’.
It states: “Across the country, women born in the 1950s have worked tirelessly throughout their lives, making substantial contributions to their communities, families, and the workplace, only to be let down at the last moment by the Department for Work and Pensions’ failure to properly communicate increases to their State Pension age.
“We are proud that the Labour Party has consistently championed increased protections for workers, women and pensioners but we are deeply disappointed by the Government’s decision to not accept the recommendations of the Parliamentary Ombudsman and deliver compensation to affected women.
“The Government’s decision risks leaving many to question the purpose of an Ombudsman, if their robust recommendations after a thorough six-year investigation can be ignored by ministers. By disregarding its report, the Government has established a dangerous precedent that suggests official checks and balances on ministers can be ignored, eroding public trust in our democratic institutions.
“While we acknowledge the challenging economic circumstances inherited from the previous administration, the overwhelming sentiment among our members and the broader public is unequivocal, the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s findings must be respected and implemented in full.”
The letter concludes: “One year on from the conclusion of the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s report on 21 March 2024, we urgently call on you to reconsider your decision and fairly compensate all affected women.”
