WASPI women have issued a stern warning to the government, declaring their intention to pursue legal action over a pensions dispute. The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) group, representing women born in the 1950s, are adamant in their assertion that the Department for Work and Pensions is unlawfully denying them compensation payments. They have initiated legal proceedings by sending a ‘letter before action’ to the department, setting a 14-day ultimatum for a reconsideration of the decision, failing which they will escalate the matter to the High Court. To fund their legal battle, the group aims to raise £75,000 through a Crowdjustice campaign.
Last year, a watchdog report highlighted the need for an apology and compensation for over three million women affected by the mismanagement of pension age increases. The lack of proper notification regarding changes in pension payments resulted in an average loss exceeding £50,000 for each impacted individual, leaving them inadequately prepared for their financial future. Despite these findings, the government faced criticism in December for rejecting calls to provide compensation to the affected women. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall acknowledged instances of maladministration but disputed the notion of an overarching injustice, citing excessive costs to the taxpayer as the reason for the denial of compensation.
The refusal to offer compensation has sparked outrage among the affected women and their supporters, including prominent figures from the Labour Party. Angela Madden, Chair of WASPI, vehemently opposes the government’s stance, describing it as a form of “gaslighting” against the affected women. Madden emphasised the contradiction in the government’s acknowledgment of maladministration while simultaneously denying any resulting injustice. This has led to a growing frustration among MPs who have been advocating for compensation, only to be disregarded by the government.
Despite the obstacles, Madden remains resolute in her pursuit of justice for the affected women. She expressed confidence in the group’s ability to succeed in their legal battle, citing past victories as a source of encouragement. However, she also highlighted the preference for a resolution outside the courtroom, urging the Secretary of State to engage in discussions to formulate a compensation package. Madden’s call for a fair and equitable solution underscores the ongoing struggle faced by the WASPI women in their quest for financial redress.
The impassioned plea from the WASPI group serves as a rallying cry for women affected by the pension age discrepancies, urging the government to acknowledge the injustices faced by this demographic. As the legal battle looms ahead, the outcome will not only impact the lives of the affected women but also shed light on the broader issues of pension equality and financial security for women in the UK. The determination and resilience displayed by the WASPI women underscore the importance of standing up for one’s rights and seeking accountability from those in power.