CROSS POSTED ON BYLINE.COM
It is a supreme irony. Margaret Thatcher’s government ended the Treasury contribution to the National Insurance Fund that has now deprived 3.9 million women born in the 1950s of their pensions for up to six years. Now she could also be their saviour.
This is because Britain’s first woman prime minister took the decision to ratify in 1986 the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination 1979 (CEDAW).
It is this decision that commits the United Kingdom to outlawing not only any discrimination against women who are unfairly treated but demands reparations for the people who lost those rights.
The CEDAW convention also crucially provides a mechanism to deliver the money to 50s women without facing a legal challenge from any other group – whether it be the pensions industry or anyone else.
The role of this convention is likely to be a major debating point in next week’s high court judicial review since Professor Jackie Jones – elected last week as a Labour MEP for Wales and former professor of Feminist Studies at the University of the West of England – will be BackTo60s expert witness. In the hearing that led to the granting of the judicial review she produced a brief here which explains the convention.
What is particularly exciting for 50s women – regardless of the result of the judicial review – is that this mechanism known as a Temporary Special Measure could be implemented by government ministers without any need for a judicial review at all. All it would need is the will of the politicians to do something about it under our obligations to ratify CEDAW.
The effect would be to legal proof any challenge without changing the law that has equalised the state pension age.
There is also an extraordinary precedent which was adopted by the Blair government and extended by the Brown government.
In 2002 Parliament passed the Sexual Discrimination (Election Candidates )Act which set up the controversial all women’s short lists for MPs, MSPs, MEPs, AMs and local councillors. The aim, as a detailed House of Commons library briefing reveals, was to dramatically increase the number of successful women candidates in public life and redress the balance between men and women holding public office.
This particular change was seen as a Temporary Special Measure originally aimed to end in 2015.
The 2010 Equality Act used an order to extend this to 2030. The measure was enthusiastically adopted by Labour who had pioneered the idea for the 1997 general election. Other parties did not adopt all women short lists but came under increasing pressure to select more women candidates.
The result has been a big increase in the number of women in Parliament. Now there are 208 women MPs in Parliament compared to 60 in 1992 before Labour introduced the all women shortlist.
Two issues have not been sorted out. The UK has repeatedly refused to embed all the provisions of CEDAW into domestic law. It steadfastly refuses to incorporate CEDAW into the Equalities Act 2010 or pass a separate Act that would provide women with the rights and fundamental freedoms Mrs Thatcher pledged to adhere to over 30 years ago.
And no special legislation has been passed to allow such payments to be made to the 3.9 million women born in the 1950s.
However this is changing. A Parliamentary motion calling for a temporary special measure to compensate the women has attracted 139 MPs from all parties and widely differing views. These include a number of ex ministers from the two main parties including Tories Sir Michael Penning and Robert Halfon, Labour’s Kevan Jones and Angela Eagle.
Other MPs supporting Anna McMorrin’s motion include the DUP chief whip, Sammy Wilson and Brexit spokesman Nigel Dodds; Green Party MP Caroline Lucas; Labour MPs Stephen Kinnock, David Lammy , Chris Bryant, Emma Lewell-Buck and Gareth Thomas; Tory MPs, Sir Peter Bottomley, Dame Caroline Spelman,Sir David Amess, Sir Henry Bellingham and Laurence Robertson;Liberal Democrat MPs Jo Swinson, Layla Moran, Tim Farron and Stephen Lloyd; Plaid Cymru MPs, Ben Lake and Jonathan Edwards Scottish Nationalists, Angus Brendan MacNeil and Deidre Brock and Independents John Woodcock and Chris Williamson.
What is clear is a gathering support for action among MPs – something the present government and pensions minister Guy Opperman ignore at their peril. The 50s born women have a just cause on their side.
Westminster Confidential 
I,v signed two years ago,I have followed,and donate a small amount of money,and put mt argument across,which we all have a hardship somewhere,I,m 64 and working in a very busy high street store,this is my 45th year working,and have all my stamps,it’s the way they have collated what age you get yr money,(our money,what we have worked for,) so we’re still in th e u. So what about our human rights, this is against out human rights. Very angry,not a benefit,our money. Sue,
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I am 62 and just exhausted with the stresses and strains of teaching. I cannot even find employment elsewhere as I am ‘over qualified’ for minimum wage jobs which would suit me better. My husband is 72 with many health problems and we intended spending our retirement together. By the time I am 66 he will be far less active and able. I am angry and depressed…. not a good state to be in when my job is to be cheerful, enthusiastic and inspiring to my pupils.
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I also have followed and signed up to this Waspi Campaign. I have thought of nothing else for the past 5 years. It as had a fundamental effect on my health. I am now 65 and still working, finding each week harder & harder. I feel we all have been robbed of all our hard earned money. I have worked since I was 13 and was so looking forward to retiring at 60 like all my other colleagues did. I can’t thank everyone enough for all they have done for this gross injustice. I really hope that the Judicial Hearing rules in our favour.
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Me too Janet I started at 14 after school and school holidays then I started full time work in 1969 when I was 15. I’m now 65 and still have to work until Jan 2020 and I am diabetic, arthritic and have a liver complaint . I get so tired of hearing the government can’t afford to pay us out of tax payers money and the younger generation to pay for us, well I don’t want anyone else to pay for my pension as I’ve been paying into it for 50 years and I’ve been told you only need to have 30 years contributions to qualify for a full state pension, some thing wrong some where don’t you think ?????
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Thank you David, excellent piece, to the point as usual.
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Having read the Cedaw through I don’t see how we can lose our case but no doubt the goverment will try its best to rob us again. a big thank you David Hencke and all at back
To 60 for everything you have done/ are doing to Right this wrong. It is very much appreciated by all us 50s Ladies. I so hope we Win Win Win we need our Pensions ASAP. and a free bus pass that we have also been robbed of……. many many THANKS..
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They are daylight robbers, and have no respect for the old. They want us all to drop in the work place so they can have the money to spend at their leisure. I don’t think they come from a woman.
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Not only bus passes Janet heating allowance etc and now in the news being told the pension payments in Poland are far higher than ours and it’s 60 for women and 65 for men and wait for it this is being partly financed by this country you couldn’t make it up if ypo tried !!!! SO BLOODY ANGRY !!!!!!
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Your supportive is invaluable David. As you say this could be ended so easily. I am very angry that we, as tax payers, will be paying the legal fees of the very people we are fighting. They should do the right thing now and accept an injustice has to be put right.
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Thank you David this is a very interesting read.
I had planned to retire also at 60, but was unable to retire until almost 64 due the change in pension.
My sister in law who is younger than I has to wait until she is 66. Therefore she has been working on for another 6 years like so many of our ladies.
How can a decision be made not to pay what we were and sre due…Totally wrong .
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I’m now 64 should have had my SP in April 2015 (60) at which point I’d paid 45 yrs NI no breaks. I had nothing from DWP to say SPA had been increased by 6 yrs finding out it had by talking to peer group friends/colleagues. I’m still working and paying in so will be 50+ yrs NI & there will undoubtedly be a reason found by Gov’t/DWP for not paying my SP!! No bus pass, htg allowance either. Great piece of research David – your support for #50sWomen is boundless, can’t thank you enough!! Jackie Jones too!! Gov’t prefers to waste its time/money we’ve paid in on anything, other than paying us our earned SPs!! It could all have been sorted out sooner/easily if Gov’t had the will to do so!!
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Thank you so much David for all your support for BackTo60. Another excellent blog that helps us yet again.
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This is the first positive news on the WASPI issue for such a long time. Most women feel that nobody is listening to their valid claims. Hopefully, we will see some results soon.
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Much More Positive News For BackTo60 who actually brought about the JR.
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Xthank you David excellent post, I worked in care for 13 years until it all became too much for me, now stay at home carer, cares for my mum too for 17 years while working part of that time in care for others, I now have arthritis and high blood pressure and would just like to retire on my pension as promised in 1969 when I started working, when I finally get my pension I loose the £60 some pounds pittance I now get despite still having to care as well. I’m really tired and would just like what I earned
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Jean its Backto60.com who have fought for this JR.
David’s continued input and support has made it happen for ALL 50s women
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I have had faith in Davids continued support however I do believe that we the ladies have to keep demonstrating our support in keeping the campaign alive. Keep hope alive..
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For the first time In a long time I feel optimistic. Will watch and listen eagerly to the court case.
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Thank you for not giving up…
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Thanks once again David for another excellent article supporting 50’s women. Fingers crossed for next week 🤞🤞
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I really do hope someone listens to us all lm 64 still have 18 months to go l am in ill health but have to keep going my husband is 70 we had hoped to enjoy our old age together and enjoy what time we have left l have many friends who have passed away at 60 plus they have never seen there pension so let’s hope something good comes out of this thanks to everyone who has helped us a big thank you from the bottom of my heart
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I am very similar to you 65 in october and my husband 70 in september. I too feel that it is time I received what I was promise worked and paid for.. I too have worked since I was 15.
Surely time for me to make way for a younger person and let them start building for their future.
No wonder there are people who are happy to live on disability benefit and don’t really worry about this because they are better off just now,
This is true because I know these people.
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I am also 64 and I think it’s disgusting the way the EU guidelines were ignored for us. Poland have actually LOWERED their retirement age for women.
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I am 63 years old and have been homeless for 9 months due to marriage breakdown! If I had had my pension I could have afforded a private rent! I work in Edinburgh airport with passengers with reduced mobility.. pushing wheelchairs all day long!! I am physically and mentally tired!! I need to reduce hours but working more as it’s only minimum pay!
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Charlotte that is really sad. Pushing wheelchairs at your age is tough work and made worse if you have no home to go to relax.
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Charlotte you do have my sympathy, been homeless and working will be tough, if born a few years earlier you would have been retired on a pension. Take it from a person who has had hard times and a feeling of helplessness it will pass, I have in the past lost nearly everything apart from my clothes, a bed, and washing machine and financially lost £70-£90,000 to ex partner and family member Try to refocus, do not dwell on it , as you will become your own jailer. Try and refocus your thoughts, yes, hard to do, but start with a day you set aside for yourself if not a day a evening or afternoon and think to yourself of what you want to do in the time you devote to yourself. That helped me, everyone takes their own road, but focus on the road ahead rather than the road behind you.
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For the first time in my working life I am totally dependent on savings.
Whatever you can do to right this wrong would be very much appreciated by the back to 60 and waspi women.
Wishing you all the very best of luck for the Judicial Review,
# make it happen, please
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Thank you David, you have worked tirelessly behind the scenes. To me there are many, many additional strands to the effect of our not receiving our pension. Structure is needed going forward, women always being expected to expect lesser role, low pay, little reward and be the lionesses of care, paid or unpaid, for young/old/partners. Sickness structure is not fit for purpose either.
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Thank you for your support. I am now 65yrs and went without my state pension for four and half years despite over 35yrs full contributions.The effect emotionally and socially has been so negative and my heart goes out to those women still without their pensions.
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David Hencke can’t thank you enough for your endless devotion and hard work fingers crossed for next week but win or lose. again THANKYOU
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Hi I would like to thank the team so much. I’m 65 and am still waiting for my pension, which I’ll get in Jan 2020. I am still working cos I have a disabled hubby who can’t work and we can’t survive on his sickness benefit. I have worked since I was 15years old and have paid my contributions in for 50 years already I would really like to know what’s happened to all that money I’ve paid in.
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I received my pension in March after 5 long years of waiting and living off my savings, over £45k pension stolen , so now I am well over £100k down . Sickening treatment by all governments.it isn’t just about the stolen pension …
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Another great piece of reporting.
Fantastic Team working for all 1950’s women.
This is great news.
I was aware of The Jackie Jones and
CEDAW but this is very clear picture into the history of our journey and the
Other legislation and human rights and equality Acts of the same timeframe .Wishing everyone the best of luck from Angie ‘The Clippy’
#BATTLEBUS
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God bless you – thamk you for caring
Fran Spears Australia
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It is about time this mess was sorted out I have had three serious illnesses since what should have been much retirement date, but I’m still working full time. A solution is long overdue
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A very informative piece. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
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Well done to all of you that are fighting the fifties ladies that are suffering. I thank you all, personally I had to retire early to look after my husband who has Parkinson’s Disease, now he was self employed and had to retire because of the Parkinson’s and his pension was the minimal amount. SO, when I retired when I did early, 7 months ago we are in dire straits because I am just about to get my state pension which is having to hold up our finances . Nightmare!!! I thank you all who are trying your best to get us some compensation.Good luck in June.!!!!
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Great to hear legislation is being used to protect 50s women’s rights !
Thanks for the hard work and searching by all involved!
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Hopefully fairness will come I want to retire work part time but thanks to government forces to work another 6 years I’ll be in my grave by then disgusting keep up the good work please pleas I didn’t ask for this like many others if they stop paying out wasted money our contributions would be there worked since I was 16 like many others in my position it’s a disgrace
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Thank-you so very much.
Its great having your support.
Heard Alan Johnson on the radio today saing, he gets the Winter Allowance but doesn’t need it.’ Also said, ‘millionaires get it but don’t need it’ – It is worth about two billion. This could go to the 59’s Women’s Pensions‼️
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This gives me hope. I will not be able to afford to live in my own home should I be widowed owing to the fact that I have no other pension, only some savings.
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Well done David this is a positive move forward great news Linda 1954
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Thank you so much. Apart from the glaringly obvious lack of notice when I started work we couldn’t access the pension scheme at the bank nor were we allowed mortgages and we were not allowed access to training at night school. We got paid 95% of a makes salary. How is that equal. It affected my career at an early stage.
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Very good looking hopeful
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Well said and let’s hope we get
Justice
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I am age 60 and work in the NHS, i work 13hr shifts 3 per week, in a peri natal mental health unit. i am fully paid up 45yrs national ins contributions and will need to pay until i am 66 with no benefit to myself, i feel i have paid my dues and deserve my pension no. I live in hope that back to 60 will happen, I have nothing but admiration for all the people fighting this cause for 50s women x
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Interesting to read David Hencke’s latest blog. I emailed my MP Giles Watling to ask him to sign the EDM2296 and was dismissed completely out of hand. He does not sign EDMs as ‘they are an ineffective way of bringing about change.’ He finishes a long email with the statement that I may find his reply disappointing (yes I do) and goes onto say this his wife born in 1957 is affected by these changes. This implies that he knows how I’m affected by the changes. No he doesn’t!
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It will help thousands of struggling women
as this was injustice. It will also help lot of old
Couples as well. Thank You
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Thank you, David, for reporting on ur investigations. Ur support is most welcome and wl b useful information for the upcoming JR. How ironic if the deceased Iron Lady leaves a legacy whereby her intentions to delay 1950s Ladies their SP does not stand up in court. That really wld b a WIN WIN situation!
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Such a relief to see that this unfairness might end and improve the living standards of woman forced to continue to work or retire and struggle to manage on small private pensions.
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Thank you for your hard work, David. As someone born in 1954, and starting work at the age of just 16, paying full stamp (planning for my future, ha! ha!), I have had my pension deferred twice and would really appreciate this unfairness being put right for everyone.
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again, and again ladies like you and I have been very badly treated. Just as though we do not matter.
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Thankyou all for joining the cause back to 60
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Thank you so much David, very grateful and appreciate what you are doing for the 50’s women, still have another two years to go for my state pension
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Thank you for continuing to support me and other 1950s women. I know we are right but you have the capacity and know how to fight for our rights.
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So pleased to read today’s update on being deferred twice as my house is on the market
In order to be able to survive after a current run of various illnesses has prevented me from supply teaching ! I will be 65 in October 2019 and my peer group who were born in March 1994 are getting their State Pension in July 2919, 14 months earlier than me. I took early retirement in April 2013 and am now in debt . This is my 2nd home I am downsizing from and my health is poorly. Laterr Pension, Poorer Health Petition on Change.Org
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Just want to thank every one who has taken the time to listen to all us 50/60 something ‘s women who are suffering at the hands of a couldn’t care less government that are a complete disgrace to their Country …..I’m praying very hard and hoping something good will come out of this court case next week…thank you David too for keeping us up with the news…and good luck to the ladies fighting for all us ladies your brilliant !!! Onwards and upwards we can do this!!!!
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Fantastic announcement today! David Hencke is a mastermind in reporting the situation which will please 3.9 million women in The UK!
Keep up the good work ‘Back to 60’. This marvelous news for all women born between 1951 and October 1954.
Thank you.
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Thank you so much for this.
The difficulties when you get into to your 60s are, amongst others, health problems and bereavement. I’ve just had hip replacement at 64. Hope it works and I can get back to work! I’m happy to work but we slow down or can be forceably slowed down by health problems.
Private pension schemes were not the norm when we all started work.
If you lose a partner and your pension pot is not big, and you planned around 2 pension pots, then financial security becomes much more of a challenge.
The women actually experiencing this 6 year ‘gap’ have definitely been deprived of money unfairly in my opinion.
But the circumstances of each individual woman can also be negatively affected in a variety of other ways. It”s complex! When you’re experiencing this it feels very, very unfair indeed. Choices have been taken away.
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Sounds very promising!
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Thank you so very much David. What a marvellous well researched and informed read. What a heartening and encouraging read. I am profoundly grateful to all the Back to 60 campaigners. Us 50’s women feel so undervalued and important in all this ‘extra 6 years’ nightmare.
I have often felt a tinge of futility when banging the ‘back to 60’ drum which of course l feel l must do when on occasion a man has challenged me. ‘Do you think it is fair that a man had to work on until 65 and yet a woman could retire at 60?’ My unwavering response has always been thus, ‘Look, if you thought you were retiring next month and someone said l am sorry … you will have to work another year.; that year would fly by. 6 years will not fly by for me.’ The 6 years are an injustice and impossibly disheartening.
Another issue l believe is so closely related is that of the free bus pass. As a public transport person l spend a ridiculous amount of my income on public transport, the fares for which have skyrocketed in recent years. My entitlement to a free bus pass is now tied (to add insult to injury) to the revised retirement age. Now, here is the interesting thing which seems to be little known among those who do not use public transport… if l lived in Scotland l would have received my free bus pass at age 60. If l lived in. Northern Ireland l would have received my free bus pass at 60. If l lived in Wales l would have my free bus pass ay 60. If l lived in London l would have my free Oyster pass at 60. Sadly, as an Englishwoman not living in London l have no entitlement to a free buss pass until l am 66 years old. We constantly are reminded that we are an ageing population and subsequently a burden on the nhs. Surely common sense dictates that free bus passes will get the over 60’s out and about, benefitting their physical and mental health.
So not only are we being deprived of our rightful pensions, but we are forced to pay for overpriced buses from our much reduced precious incomes. (Yes, l know l could pay 35 pounds a year for a senior railcard and get a third off rail travel but trains are even more expensive and l have yet to have found the ‘spare’ 35 to buy one of those.)
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Yes the bus pass is another anomaly – as usual it is the English authorities outside London that deny it to people between 60 and 66
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How can some receive a bus pass and others do not. We have all paid into the system ? This has been another inequality and it should have been the same for us all right across the country.
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Different rules apply in different parts of the UK. As far as I am aware Scotland and Wales allow them for everybody over 60 (under devolved law) The London may allows free bus and tube travel from 60 and Liverpool funds free travel from 60. The rest of England does not following current Tory government policy.
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if they really wanted to help the environment and local economies they would make public transport free across the board, no passes required…..certainly no justification for tracking everybody wherever they go with those rfid chips….they don’t just log your position when you scan them on the bus! they can be hidden in rocks or anywhere….
read recently European country has done precisely that…forget which one now….
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I asked for my bus pass in may when I was 65 I can not get it until I get my pension on the 5th of Nov feel very cheated out of every thing
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I was 65 in May and cant get my bus pass or my pension until January 2020. Why is it so different for every body around Britain.
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Great news thankyou for all your hard work ,I lost my job may 18 and had to live on my savings since then,I have just signed on the sick because of stress because of all the worry I have worked all my life paid in to the pot…and really am against all this unfairness, the way we older ones are treated,i am in rented accommodation with rent i cannot afford. I cannot even get a bungalow…the government have not helped our age group at all…there is nothing…we are left on the shelf so to speak…
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Thank you David for continuing to fight our for the 1950’s women and to Jackie for your brilliant support.
As a 1950’s woman I am very appreciative
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This is wonderful news, huge Thanks to David Hencke and Jackie Jones the #Backto60 campaigners and everyone else involved. Not giving up and getting us so close now towards, A positive outcome. This will be Life changing for many many women who will hold you fondly in our hearts forever 💕
Good Luck 🙏🏻🙏🏻
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I feel soo cheated I’ve been working since I was 17 and now I’m 65 years didn’t think after paying taxes all them years I would be left like this. I only hope this is positive news as we deserve our money
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Oh this is so encouraging!! Next week can’t come soon enough, but whatever happens it will not erase the extra years we have all had to work. I am reducing my hours at work,again, and will use the money I put aside for my retirement to help me. I was 64 in January but there is still nearly 2 years in front of me until I get my SP. As David has highlighted, there is growing support within the parties. So many people I speak to are appalled at the way we have been treated. I hardly dare hope….but I am!!! Let justice prevail and the retirement we deserve can be ours.
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Interesting reading and justified to support our plight..50’s women, hope it’s significance will help us in court
Thank you David Hencke,Jackie Jones for the sterling work and diligence shown
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Thank you for sending me this it makes very interesting reading. Unfortunately, my MP, Richard Bacon, didn’t bother to get back to me regarding the letter I sent, and he isn’t on the list of supporting MP’s. However, I am grateful, as we all are, for the support from the MP’s that have supported us.
Good Luck to all for next week.
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This is great news for me and all 1950’s women. When we got married 42 years ago because of 5 years age difference between my hubby and me we worked through our lives towards our old age and would have retired at the same age until the change of age come into effect for us ladies – he could retire now but I can’t retire until 6 years time and run a little business doesn’t turn over a lot in a year so hubby is still working we have private pensions but do not want to touch those until he actually retires if we both had our state pensions hubby could afford to retire its not fair its like we are being penalised for being born in the 1950’s – thanks David for caring about us .
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At last this injustice may be addressed
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APOLOGIES FOR THE LATENESS, OF MY QUESTION. I believe part of our argument concerning our pensions is not being given enough prior notice. I recieved a letter from the pension people when I was 50, telling me my contributions were up to date and I would get my pension when I reached 60. I never received any further communication concerning my pension. Did everyone else have this happen to them????
Susann Lane
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Absolutely brilliant
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As a woman born in 1956 now with serious health issues (back & arthritic problem having served the public as a nurse for over 37yrs I extend my good wishes to the Back to 60 campaign & thank them for all their hard work. I wish them all the best for June 5 & 6.. Julie – Devon.
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Thank you Jackie for all your support so many women born in 1959s are routing for you next week and still passing the message on to others. So much good luck in court go get them girl xx
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Thank you Jacki for all your doing for us 1950 ladies we are all routing for you next week x
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It’s about time the government listened ! We have been badly treated. The people in Parliament don’t have to worry about money , but we have 50’s women committing suicide due to debt ! This needs sorting and we need paying back what we are owed.
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Well done.
And thank you david and Jackie.I a 54 born widow i still have to work as a nurse in the private sector 3 nights a week in a dementia unit.I suffer from sever arthritis already have one knee replacment to have had my pension at 60 would have ment working only part time
I believe my health would not have deteriorated like it has.A big thank you again.
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I brought up five children born between 1974 and 1990 in the time honoured way of staying at home while my husband went to work. I was born on December 9 1953, thereby just missing out on a pension at age 60 and having to wait until several months after my 65th birthday to receive just over £122 instead of the full pension of just over £160, based on my home responsibility contributions. In short I am a two time loser and am very much hoping that the current court case will correct this obvious injustice.
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Everyday I learn something…great informative as usual….thank you
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I hope it’s a great outcome next week good luck and let’s get the pensions back to the 1950,s women you are doing a fantastic job
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Great article – learn something every day….informative ….thank you!
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I have everything crossed for a positive outcome next week… All 50’s Women deserve a break…
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Thankyou for this piece David, from a very grateful 1954 born women, you’re a star 🌟
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very kind
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i listened to you yesterday on the radio very informative and thank you so much for being part of the backto60 team after 5 year 5 months and 27 days i will get my state pension in September its been hard and only managed because of a supportive husband
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Absolutely fantastic news well done to everyone
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David as ever outstanding Work. Thank you so much for explaining everything in this, it indicates everything that back to 60 has been trying to prove and to achieve
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Just had a reply from my MP Rebecca Pow, she insists women were notified again and again by the DWP and will not be signing.
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That is disgusting for your MP to say that. Even if that was true, which it wasn’t, it would not help the hardship caused by millions of 50s women who are having to work with ill health in a lot of cases. I have just researched your MP and she sounds horrible as I read that she said during the election 2017 that people in Taunton had thousands of pound extra! It then went on to say she had falsified her expenses! Typical of MPs. No doubt she will get s very handsome pension herself!
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Rebecca Pow should have to prove this. It did not happen for me.
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My heartfelt thanks to David and Jackie for their diligence and outstanding persistence.
Here’s hoping the news we will hear,
will in some small way compensate for
the insecurity and emotional heartache which 50’s women have bravely endured.
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ThankYou Again David. You’re exposé of Government gross injustice and the deceitful way they took 6yrs of state pension off 50sWomen as not gone unnoticed also your support for BackTo60 is greatly appreciated.
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What a fantastic read David Thankyou
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It’s an absolute disgrace this was ever allowed to happen.
Shame on a country that allows foreigners to receive family allowance from a system they have never paid into, and yet a system I’ve been paying into since the age of 15 I’m not getting my pension from the age of 60, I now have to wait till I’m 66!
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Thank you for another outstanding piece of work in support of 50’s women who have suffered lifelong discrimination and are fighting for justice over their stolen pensions .
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Thank you David for your support for all UK women. It is thoroughly researched, detailed, and has an eagle-eyed overview that puts everything relevant together to help build our case that we have led unequal lives because our lives that are very different to men’s are never ever acknowledged, accommodated, or valued. #BackTo60 #50swomen have led such unequal, undervalued difficult lives full of obstacles from an ongoing lack of understanding or government will for true equality, and now when due to finally have a bit of freedom to live our lives as we want to – the government has kicked us by stealing our state pensions for six years leaving us to live on nothing. That’s how valued and respected & equal UK women are – not at all.
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The short notice given of having to work until 65 followed up very quickly with another year tagged on to 66 was an absolute bombshell exploding over the 1950’s women’s plans for retirement. The people who astonish me in parliament are usually women. Roz Altman when she was in the coalition government, would not and did not help us. Theresa May, herself a 1950’s woman repeatedly refused to listen to the injustice placed upon women. What a disgrace, but what of the savings gone, the houses sold, the debts mounting, the self respect lost all because the government found an easy way to raise money and turned on its citizens, renaging on a contract between government and citizens hoping no one would mind. The losses to the 950’s women are monumental on many fronts
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Theresa May won’t be bothered as she will retire with a fairly handsome pension . She won’t have to sell her house or count the pennies!
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Well said…
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I pray ever night for this dreadful decision to be reversed I work since I was 15 years old I am now 62 my mum who had had cancer is 86 I should be retired and looking after her .I have reduced my hours but cannot afford to give up my job I feel as if I have been robbed of something that was rightfully mine . Please get this decision reversed so I and the thousands of women in the same position get what is rightfully there’s 🙏🏻
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Thank you so much David . Many ladies including me are so anxious and many of us face working another 6.5 years to make ends meet due to this injustice ! All help so very much welcomed -thank you again most sincerely
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I worked hard all my life, raised a family working from home to give us all a good lifestyle and took nothing from the state.
I gave up work lint after my divorce thinking I had sufficient savings to last me until pension age of 60. Then found out per chance that I wasn’t going to receive the promised state pension for another five years !!! Then another year – 66! These are the years you should be enjoying your retirement. The pension albeit small, was a promise. We paid into this. We were let down. I own my house but have little money. I can’t get a loan as I have little income. Equity release is expensive and restrictive.
We should not be in this position. I have a degree in business and languages and tried to get a decent job at 62. It is impossible. Now I am not mentally or physically capable to hold down a full time job and actually neither should I.
At 64 , having worked ALL my life even when my children were young, I should be given the small pension I was promised four years ago and enjoy my grandchildren and my life !!!
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You certainly shouldn’t – the human cost is ignored by government ministers
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Thank you David! Another excellent piece! ‘1950s born women have a just cause on their side’. So ironic in 1986 Margaret Thatcher ratified #CEDAW but govs have refused to embed in domestic law. You say this is changing-it may well help the BackTo60 JudicialReview next week 5-6 June! As you say the Early Day Motion has been ‘gathering support’ by cross-party MPs. Onwards for Justice and Human/Women’s Rights.
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Dear David Hencke,
The Tories will not pay the full restitution compensation without compulsion from the High Court Judge finding in favour of the BackTo60 Judicial Review.
The Judicial Review is not just about us 1950s born ladies’ compensation, vital thought that money is to us all.
BackTo60 means back to 60, but we do not know and cannot know further details, as the case is sub judice
The 1960s born are about to start turning 60 from next year, 2020, and have pension age 67, so need women’s pension age from 60.
Men and women the same need women’s pension age to revert to 60, so that they get age entitlement between 60 and 66 – 67, to Pension Credit, that does not require you to actively seek work nor attend the Jobcentre.
UK has the most chronic sick / disabled older working class than in any developed nation on earth.
Since women’s pension age rise for half a decade, there has been a high early death rate to these newly created I Daniel Blakes. The most recent being Stephen Smith, aged 64, who died from lack of sick benefit, but in truth died from lack of Pension Credit since age 60, because of women’s pension age. (Liverpool Echo).
With women’s pension age reverting to age 60 just in time for the 1960s born, it would only need a negative or positive statutory instrument, that only needs 28 days notice, for parliament to amend all pension age rise law, to take that out for both men and women from published law, so men’s pension age reverts back to 65 and women to 60.
This then would grant men the right age to claim pension credit, the ability to claim it, instead of being dumped onto the horrific Universal Credit, and saves women between ages 60 and 66 from that fatal Universal Credit as well.
UK highest winter excess death rates are increasing, and including more and more men and women between ages 60 and 66.
The 1960s born need to grab the state pension fast, as if and when the Tories win the next general election, the state pension is history, by
– the end of triple lock guaranteed annual rise,
– not granting bus pass nor paying the cut and frozen since 2011 Winter Fuel Allowance
until 5 years after retirement, and
– wholesale theft of the currently ring fenced National Insurance Fund by merging it inside Income tax.
The state pension is for millions of working class half to sole money in old age, and so many more have insufficient works / state pension money and so need the top up of low income of pension credit.
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Thank you David for your support. I have been a member of Backto60group and this just adds to our positive state of mind. I have to wait 6 years. We have been treated unfairly. We have faith in the legal team!
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Please keep fighting everyone. No other group in society would endure being robbed of money paid out in good faith whilst working so why should we 1950’s ladies?
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I believe justice will be given to all of us 50’s women , back to 60s women.
We have fought so hard to get what is rightfully ours.
‘WE PAID IN, THE GOVERNMENT OWE US OUR PENSIONS AND THE MONEY STOLEN FROM US OVER THE PAST 4 YEARS.
ALL PARTIES Please support us and do right by British justice and give us back what is owed to us!!!
Yours Believing in British justice.
Sue Donovan WALES!!!
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What great news, I have been so worried, I’m 64 in July but my hubby who is disabled & lost his DLA has been claiming ESA for both of us. Now he gets his pension in sep, he was 65in match & I will have to claim UC. I have never claimed anything in my life but without my own pension I have no choice
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Such an unjust change to us women born in the 50’s. Keep up the fight for us. I too signed up over 2 years ago. It shouldn’t happen in this day and age of equality.
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Sent message to my MP who supposedly supports WASPIE. No response. Modern women forget that we were not part of any pension scheme. I worked for Nat West bank. No contributions till you reached 30! I had enough N I contributions when I reached 60. Now I do not have enough for a full pension. The rules keep changing. None for the better.
L Orr
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I am a50s women who is struggling after ill health and making choices based on retirement on the forecast given me of 62. Now have to wait till 66. With a pacemaker fitted I now struggle to work and finding income not enough but cannot manage more hours. Just want to thank all who are working hard to make good for50s women.
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Interesting read, lets hope that something gets done soon before we all get to old to enjoy our retirement.
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Really positive news and for the first time I feel some hope that we may get the right decision .Born 1957 and another 4 long years till I get what rightfully mine .Am lucky enough still to be working but going thro separation and divorce has left me in a not great financial position .My pension would have helped so much as I still have mortgage as well
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Thank you David, Jackie Jones, the Back to 60 and everyone fighting our corner in the Judicial Review. What hope and courage you have given us in what has been some very dark days. Longing to retire.
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We do need this to happen ASAP, not be strung out for years.
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This is fantastic.
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Good luck to you all, but surely the same legislation applies to any decade born. I was born in 1961, at this time I do not receive my state pension until age 68! Wheres the differance?? Mr Henke could this be followed up as well please. Please note I have used my partners facebook address. (Incidently he is a simaler boat where the Goverment has broken the contract relating to state pension) Jan 1954 and starts receiving his S/P may 2019
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Sounds possible
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Well done to you all …here’s hoping xx
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Many thanks to David Hencke and Jackie Jones the #Backto60 campaigners and everyone else involved for all your hard work and persistence .Hopefully we are getting close now towards a positive result which will help thousands of struggling women claim exactly what they have paid for and entitled to.
Thank you again and good luck next week!
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This is a total injustice to women, just because we were born in the 50s. We paid in we should be paid out, this is not a benefit total inequality of the highest standards
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Think all women born in the 1950″ s are feeling the same, angry, frustrated and weary.
We’ve all worked 40 or more years we can’t pay any more national insurance. We worked on low pay, looking after families all our working lives. Most are now still working, looking after grandchildren, caring for elderly parents and suffering with most age related ailments. Why should we be treated with the blatant contempt after being a major part of the UK economy for years.
Thanks to everyone who is rallying to help us without your help we would never have got this far. We all have our fingers crossed that you succeed and you can get our lives back to the retirement we have all worked for.
Dee
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We would win by God’s Grace
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Its encouraging to see the pace pick up regarding the plight of 50s women, as we fast approach the Judical Review. Many of us have endured the lack of state pensions for a few years now and some of our friends have passed away whilst waiting for justice. This and previous govts have shown a remarkable lack of symphathy as to the ramifications of decisions taken in darkened rooms, with the only light coming from calculators as they tot up their gains. We are not figures on calculators we are women who have contributed in more ways than one, to the society we lived and worked in. The Govt should at least hold their hands up, as they have often been forced to do in the past, for scandals that ruined lives. Please try seeing us as people, not as figures that help swell the treasury coffers.
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very good point here – too many politicians see only the financial costs of pursuing policies -oblivious to the human costs to individuals.
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Thank you for your post on Margaret Thatcher and the whole “Back to 60s” campaign. It puts further emphasis on the rights of all the individuals involved. My wife is one of those involved, and your post gave her extra encouragement before the case appears in court on 5 & 6 June. Many thanks once again, David. Best Wishes. Melvyn Wright.
Get Outlook for iOS ________________________________
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Thank you David for this illuminating report highlighting the discrimination women in general and 50’s women in particular have and continue to endure.
So grateful to have you onside with backto60 who obtained the judicial review 5-6 June 2019, led by Jo Welch campaign Director.
Thanks also to the #backto60 supporters and campaigners who have never given up fighting.
I am a nurse last 22 yrs so no full pension, SP delayed till 64/9 mths, still working, forced to sell home to survive and now privately renting. Had series of low paid part-time jobs while raising children. Have bilateral part knee replacements due to the physical nature of my working life which included stacking supermarket shelves.
Twice hiked, 46 years of paid NIC’s and No notice of the SPA increase , additionally losing out in NSP due to the stealthily increased NIC qual yrs from 30-35 in 2016.
Roll on the JR next week
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Politicians have a responsibility to the loyal tax payers. Just pay us what we have planned for, it´s simple. I have lived in Spain and will have contributed 15 years to the Social Seguridad and get a better pension. Why, because they care about families and look after the elderly, That´s how it should be.
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yay, i love irony!
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Great reading!
I’m staggered this has been hidden away from the public sector I’m thankful to David Hencke and backto60 for all the deep insight that has brought out all this information.
Past & present Government’s left this hidden in order to continue to deprive 50s women of there pension .Thank you again David & backto60.
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Oh please let this come to fruition, as is our right! We seem to have had the worse of everything, the highest interest rates while paying off a mortgage, and now the lowest interest rates while desperately trying to save for a pension we should already be getting. I have worked hard all my life, and now quite frankly, I’m burned out, and struggling. Bring it on Backto60, thank you for giving me some hope.
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Thank God for a common sense approach at last! Fair is fair and the current government is being anything but!
They are not in a position to alienate any potential voters either!!
My husband is constantly reminding me that I have been robbed of £45,000 plus – without his support I could not manage at all financially. As it is we are on a very limited income as he was made redundant out of the blue….
As a matter of interest, at what age do MPs receive their pension?
Big thank you for all your efforts.
Jan
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Thanks for your support and dedication to our cause David. I read your article with great interest and I remain hopeful for a positive outcome from the judicial review. Successive governments have failed to close the gender pay gap but have unfairly targeted 1950s born women who have mostly been paid less than their male counterparts for their whole working lives. This is such unfair discrimination, especially the later increase in 2011, which was far too close to our retirement ages and which the government failed to inform us of. I am considerably poorer than I should be and very angry. Having 46 years of contributions I still have a further 16 months to wait before I can get my SP, if I live long enough!
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I totally agree I’m so angry having to work for 49and still working why can’t I get the money I deserve I really appreciate your support David and only hope we get a good outcome in June
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The extra years added was morally wrong and totally unfair!!! It is hard trying to get through the extra 6years on your own with no support, you feel totally abandoned!
Nobody wants to employ people in their 60’s as they know we are slowing down and
probably have health issues we are just ignored when applying for jobs, but we would not have to endure this if we had our pensions when we were 60 as we were told when we started work !!!
Thankyou for all your hard work and support, also, Jackie Jones and everyone else that
are involved in Back to 60 .
Thankyou all very much.
Heather Aldridge.
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Don’t forget this is also a back260 issue too and it’s back260 who are actually bringing the judicial review and not WASPI next week,
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I have great appreciation of and hope for Back260 and follow avidly however any other group such as Waspi support and back up the case. Sandy, I’m Angela October 1954. My pension date October 2020 and my husband is 70. I still work however my boss is opening up a new optical store and would rather employ new young good looking employees because he thinks that’s what brings in the customers. However he is stuck with me!!
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Thank you Mr Hencke for Submitting a very stong case to Fight for the pensions for myself and other women born in the 50s.
I do not have a income and was relying on my State Pension after contributing to the scheme for more than 30 Years.
Like many other 50s women I am not entitled to claim unemployment benifit or any other benifit and the Government has given us all a Hobsons Choice situation.
It is difficult to get a job in your 60s and if you do get one you will be expected to contribute Tax and National. Insurance to the very same Government that has deferred your pension for 6 or 7 Years.
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Thank you David, excellent piece of news and we would hope puts the judicial case in a stronger position.
There are many silently watching and quietly supporting this injustice. I too am awaiting the outcome of the court case.
Apart from the many other political issues and concerns in our country, I for one will not be voting conservative because of this injustice unless major change is forthcoming.
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Thankyou David fir tour excellent peice of work
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Succinct. What can’t UK Govt ignore now?
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PPI payments seem to get more media coverage than the unfair unpaid pensions of 50s women … Priorities all wrong ..
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PPI is a money making business for the companies offering to find people’s lost cash( eg money can be made from media advertising) – while unfair paid pensions is potentially loss making for the private pensions industry as it uses the state pension age as a marker to pay out private and occupational pensions.
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In the pursuit of equality I hope 50s men also become eligible for the state pension at 60.
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I don’t think us women will get the pension age back to 60 so I’m afraid I think the answer to your question is going to be no Paul.
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I am 65 in July and still have to wait another 11 months before I get my pension, I have worked since I was 15 years old, only taking short time out when my children where born, I still have to work part time to pay bills, I think it’s shocking the way the government changed, and if I lived in Scotland or Wales I would get my pension and bus pass.
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I was 65 last month and have to wait until Nov to get my pension I left school at 15 and still working to pay Bill’s how is it they say you only need 35years to get full pension why have I had to do 50 years and 6months and other 50s women like me
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Thank you to David and Jackie and all those who have worked tirelessly to bring the unjust and victimised 1950’s women a ray of hope.
I was born 1st March 1954 so have had my pension date moved TWICE without any notification.
I am still working.
I have had no choice.
I wish all concerned the very best and will be thinking of you all this week.
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Fingers crossed that all of the hard work will give us a positive result at the end of this two day hearing on Thursday.
Does anyone know if the judges have to give a ruling immediately or do we have to wait ?
Also if it goes in our favour does the government have a right to appeal, thus prolonging our hardship?
If we don’t win I have no choice but to do equity release as I have no money left now and I’m not 66 until 2021
I’m sure there are many ladies worse off than me but it’s so unfair to have worked so hard, planned retirement at 60 with sufficient savings to find that we have no income and unable to find suitable employment
Regards
Trish A Vincent IPR. BA HONS 07734 296995 Sent from my iPhone
>
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Thank you backto60 for all your efforts on our behalf. We desperately need to make sure that this issue is resolved so much hardship for so many could be so easily resolved.
I did email my local mp but his response was as a parliamentary private secretary( do not by convention)sign edms but he would help me if I needed anything else sorted😐what a waste of time and effort we need people like you to press the point. Thanks again for all your efforts
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I will continue to fight for my pension and for the rights of my daughter & granddaughters & every woman that has contributes to their pension the government have no legal rights to steal from us I’m 60 & I want what I worked hard to achieve my hard earned pension
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Thanks for the hard work and we are looking for good results.
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Thank goodness there are some fair-minded people prepared to fight for those who have sidelined their whole lives. Most women have spent a large part of their lives in a caring capacity sacrificing their own careers in the process. I had no idea the pension had been moved and in fact had previously, checked the GOV site. It gave no indication until the last moment that I would have to wait until 2020. very grateful for those taking on this battle
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I have worked for 48 years and have always contributed to nhi. I have just recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and pernicious anaemia. I have been at home ill for 3 months whilst trying different medications that have made me ill. I am a teaching assistant and have really struggled physically fit the last two years. Sadly I have had to make the decision to take early retirement. My husband is 70 years old and I’ve made this difficult decision because I want to spend precious time together. It is going to be a struggle financially but I have no alternative. If the pension age hadn’t have been changed I would have had 3 years at home with him. I pray that justice is served and that the women of the 60s get the justice that they deserve. A huge thank you to everyone who is fighting for our cause.
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I’m 63 and have worked for 48 years my husband was the same sadly I lost him 2 years ago at age 64 so no old age pension for him and now none for me until I’m 66 I have worked in a busy shop for 30 years full time unfortunately I have to go down to three days a week due to severe arthritis and have now been diagnosed with osteoporosis I can’t afford to not to work and I feel we women have actually been robbed by the government it seems to me that they have stolen my money and gained from my husband dying we worked so hard all our lives and thought we could enjoy our later years comfortable it’s not a lot of money to the government but it would make a massive difference to my life
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Its disgusting that all of us women born in the fifties have to wait for our hard earned pension what the government what to look back af the industry we worked in and how much easier jobs are today with all the technology I have a bad back due to lifting patience now the have hoists slide sheets I final get my old age pension in Nov I was 65 in may x
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I was 65 on the 12th May Marina and I’ve got to wait till Jan 20 for my pension. I would love to know how they work it out.
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Me too it’s a mine field and when you ring DWP no one there knows
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This sounds really good but the government are more interested in lining their own pocket of benefits.
Women have been treated very unfairly over this.
Not enough time, notification to do anything but work longer, if health allows.
I’m one where health doesn’t allow.
But Thankyou to those putting in the effort.
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Thank you David and to everyone at back to 60, praying for justice for us all.
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And so how does this affect us? To be sure, what happens now? We are all waiting in anticipation. Please don’t leave us in suspense too much longer, it has been over three years of worrying, and waiting now, and I still have two more pension less years left.
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I really hope they win!! Millions of women are struggling to live after having to leave work at 60 on health grounds and a plethora of other reasons.
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This retirement age at 67 is far too much to bear the life span is 70 come on lets have some consideration expecially for a woman who bear children this also depends on the job’s that we are doing iam a carer caring for the elderly with dementia helping them to get back on there feet expecially when they just came out of the hospital recovering from there sicknesses i have been doing this job since i was 21 year’s of age iam now 56 years old as i am getting older iam now feeling all the ache and pain in my body now they’re telling me that my retirement age is 67 can you imagine that most of the people iam caring for is between 67 and 90 years of age come on where is there heart caring is a very hard job so the government’s should take this pension age very seriously not every body doing the same job where is there heart
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This government doesn’t care about women they forget that they came from a woman they’re only for themselves. Care work is a hard job pensioners looking after pensioners. They don’t want us to enjoy the fruits of our Labour government. It is only for themselves. They can retire at age 60 with a lump sum of 80 thousand pounds. Where is there heart but by the grace of god we will enjoy our hard labour. God is on the throne and in him we should put our trust he will never let us down
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I am so angry at the government’s divisive attempts to set generation against generation. They argue that it would be unfair to ask the younger generations to pay for my pension. I have 44 years of working and generating national insurance payments which have went towards paying the state pension of people who retired decades before me this has always been the way it has been done – nothing has changed but this government seems to be intent on setting the generations against one another.
The state pension is not a benefit it is a right. A right which is being denied to me by this set of unscrupulous and immoral scraps of humanity we have to call our government.
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I think it’s appalling the way women in their 60s have to wait 6 years having worked all their lives and having to work longer to be able to live it’s disgusting .
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Maybe we should all do a few days strike as a protest. I don’t condone striking but it maybe our last hope.
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I will be 64 in September and have had MS for the past 29 years. I stopped work 5 years ago because I really couldn’t do it any more, battling my condition. To then discover I wouldn’t receive my State Pension was an enormous blow. Thankfully, I have had a generous younger husband (for the past 31 years) who is happy to finance me in every respect. I owe him much – his support has preserved my lifestyle and dignity. I am extremely fortunate but need to be able to stand on my own, very wobbly, feet for my personal self-esteem at least!
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I am 62 and will be 63 in January, I have paid 45 years worth of national insurance, surely I should be able to retire now on full state pension.
I like most other women born in the 50’s was not informed of the increase in pension age, I have an elderly mother who has cancer and is getting a bit puddled and I would like to ebe able to look after her but no, I have to work its not fair.
I keep hearing snippets from ministers saying they have only raised the retirement age 1 year, come on now, it was 1 year for men but mine has jumped 6 years, wheres the justice in that, its sex discrimination that needs to be stopped.
I only hope that justice does prevail and all women born in the 50’s get what’s owed to them
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I am 65 and arthritic. I totally understand and support the campaign and think we are in a particular position because of a variety of factors. It bothers me that a lot of my generation are struggling a lot. Women who have worked part time, for example, will have smaller private pensions…if any at all. So many factors.
But I do get concerned that people expect back pay to age 60. It would be wonderful but we are in very hard times and this government does not care.
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Very true. It high time government do something about it
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The torys need to realise a lot of us 50s women are still alive – although exhausted by still working and are legitimate voters. We are the reason employment is good at the moment and our stolen pensions are the reason Boris is suddenly spending madly. However we are not giving up – we will never recover from this government injustice – not physically or mentally – we won’t go away and die as I. Duncan Smith was quoted as saying!
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I was born in 1959. I was a housewife mum and carer for my Daughter with disabilities. I worked for 10 years as a Childminder to make ends meet. I claimed national insurance exemption to make sure my stamp was covered.
After splitting with my Husband and being left on benefits I worked my way back into work by working voluntary at the CAB and after 3 years got back into work part time. I have only worked full time for 7 years. My ex got his HHS pension at 50 And is retired , I got mine this year at 60 and I get £43 a week. Not enough to live on I won’t get my pension until I am 66. I got my pension statement this week and it said this is the maximum you can get . So why am I still paying national insurance for another 6 years?
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I am disgusted with government especially when women who have paid their full NI contributions should be paid in full as we have kept our side of the promise I am 64 years old and living at the mercy of my husband during these difficult times don’t these men in power have mothers sister’s daughters they talk about other countries discrimination to women look at your own back yard hopefully justice will be done sooner than later many thanks and blessings to all who worked so hard for all women past and future with lots of luck Mrs Tripta Khanna
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Thank you David and the whole team for not giving up of this unjust that has gone on to long I have worked non stop for over 45yrs paid my full NO contributions e even when I was ill with cancer I will 64yrs soon and still waiting for justice to be done for all women in this country may God bless you all and many thanks. Mrs Tripta Khanna
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