Waspi women rallied at Holyrood, urging the UK Government for overdue compensation amid ongoing pension disputes
Edinburgh: Today, Waspi women gathered outside the Scottish Parliament. They were there to push for compensation from the UK Government. This comes after MSPs made another appeal for help.
Everyone at Holyrood agrees that these women deserve something. They missed out due to changes in state pension rules. It’s been a long time coming.
MSPs voted for compensation, but it was mostly symbolic. The UK Government has already said no to any payments. It’s frustrating for those affected.
Shirley-Anne Somerville, the Social Justice Secretary, is leading the charge. She wants Westminster to step up and compensate the Waspi women as recommended by the ombudsman.
Scottish Labour is also on board, even though their London colleagues aren’t. It’s a bit of a mixed message, isn’t it?
Somerville emphasized that these women deserve fair compensation for the UK Government’s mistakes. She’s calling for action to address the financial struggles they’ve faced.
She pointed out that the UK has one of the worst gender pension gaps in the OECD. That’s a big deal and needs attention.
The ombudsman suggested compensation between £1,000 and £2,950 for those affected. But Waspi women are asking for at least £10,000 each. They feel it’s only fair.
Last year, Liz Kendall, the UK Work and Pensions Secretary, apologized for a delay in notifying women about the pension changes. But she claimed there was no proof of direct financial loss.
She also mentioned that a compensation scheme would cost £10.5 billion, which she said wouldn’t be fair to taxpayers. It’s a tough situation.
Maggie Chapman from the Scottish Greens spoke out, calling the treatment of Waspi women a grave injustice. She believes they deserve quick and fair compensation.
Chapman also criticized politicians for misleading these women. Many have suffered without resolution or justice, and it’s time for action.
A UK Government spokesperson acknowledged the ombudsman’s findings but argued that most women were aware of the changes by 2006. They feel they can’t justify a massive compensation scheme.
