Pensions bill proposals ‘could be illegal’

Posted 19/06/2011

The government’s proposed changes to the state pension age could be illegal under current employment law.

This is according to director-general of the Saga Group Dr Ros Altman, who spoke out about the pensions bill, which is due for a second reading in the House of Commons today (June 20th).

She described the proposals as “unfair” and pointed out that, because they do not give women suitable notice regarding potentially large changes in the pension age, they may also be illegal.

Dr Altman continued by saying that if employees do challenge the “fairness” of the plans, it is “likely to be difficult for government to defend and could end up costing the taxpayer significant sums in court fees and compensation for those affected”.

This news comes after the Public and Commercial Services Union warned last week that there could be unrest in the public sector if workers are faced with reduced pensions.

The employment law team at Ashtons Legal could help you with any issues regarding the state pension age.