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Michelle Mitchell‚ Head of Public Affairs at Age Concern England‚ said:

“The Government has lifted many female pensioners out of poverty but much more needs to be done. Putting the needs of women and carers at the heart of the national debate is critical to the success of any pensions reform. Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction.

“Millions of women are facing poverty in later life because they have taken time out of the workplace or switched to a part-time job to care for children. One in five single women pensioners in the UK now lives in poverty and just 16% of newly retired women qualify for a full basic state pension on their own contributions compared to 78% of men. 

“Many women also receive a poor pension deal in the workplace so it is encouraging that guidelines are to be published for employers on how to use an ‘opt out’ approach to their pensions schemes.  

“Fundamental reform rather than incremental change is the only way to achieve a fair pension system that will meet the needs of an ageing population. We need radical reform which tackles the scandal of pensioner poverty‚ gives women and carers a fair deal‚ and allows everybody the opportunity to build a decent retirement income. There is already a national consensus on women and pensions‚ what we now need is a timetable for action.”

Notes to editors

Government‚ Principles for reform 2005

Age Concern recently commissioned ICM Research to carry out a survey into women and pensions. The survery found that*:

• Just 22% of people believe the current pensions system is fair and shouldn't be changed
• 75% want carers or those in part-time or low-paid work to have their contribution recognised in the same way as full-time employment
• 61% believe that the Government should reduce the number of years needed to qualify for a pension or introduce a pension based on residency
• Almost a third of women expect to rely on their partner for an income in later life.

* ICM Reserach interviewed a random sample of 1010 adults aged 18+ by telephone between 10-12 June 2005. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

Age Concern and the Fawcett Society have been jointly campaigning for the Government to tackle the scandal of female pensioner poverty since 2003. Two reports have been published 'One in Four' (Feb 04) and 'A Blueprint for Reform' (April 05).

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Helen Wanless
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