Sunday, January 19, 2004

A story released today by the Scotsman reports that British Parliament members will be challenged to grant "lover’s pensions" to other public sector workers this week.

Members recently decided unmarried couples could be entitled to a pension on the death of a partner in the same way as a husband or wife.

Now former Downing Street advisor James Purnell is calling for doctors, nurses and other public sector workers to be given the same rights.

Just 23% of public sector pension schemes provide pensions for unmarried partners, compared to 91% in the private sector.

Mr. Purnell said the problem of the current rules was highlighted by a widow in his constituency who was left to bring up two children without a pension because she had not married their father.

"She was discriminated against on the grounds of marital status and I was amazed to learn this practice occurs in over two thirds of the public sector," the MP said.

"It is a clear injustice. The Civil Service has a scheme which allows for contribution towards survivor benefits for unmarried couples, as do MPs.

"However, there is no such provision in the rest of the public sector and it is clear that this equality of treatment should be extended across the board. It might even encourage people to join and stay in the public sector."

Mr Purnell said his plans, being put forward in his own 10-minute rule Bill, would not cost taxpayers a penny.

Instead, it would be up to employees to pay into the fund for their surviving partner.

"Given the fact that there are an increasing number of cohabiting couples, this is a decent and fair policy to reflect a modern and changing society.

"Unmarried people in the public sector deserve the same security and rights of protection as married people, instead of being discriminated against."