An amazing response

09.02.11 - Helen Symons

Since we launched Barbara’s petition to say “hands off our pensions!” yesterday, we have had an amazing response. We’re not far off 2000 signatures already, and it’s only Day 2 of the campaign.

This is clearly an issue that is close to people’s hearts – literally hundreds of people have told us how they will be affected, and have asked us to share their stories.

This is just a tiny sample of what people told us about why they signed the petition:

Carolyne said:

Yes, I am affected as born in early 1954. All the women (and men) I have spoken to about this are shocked and dismayed about these proposals. They do not question the need for equality, but are appalled about the speed of the changes, and the fact that we do not have time to plan ahead and make good the shortfall.

Louise said:

I had been planning to retire at 60. The equality case on retirement age for women meant that I had to retire at the age of 64 and 10 months. I understand that this has now risen to 66. I work full time, I enjoy my job but I am tired all the time. I can't give up work without the state pension to which I have contributed all my working life.

Christine said:

I was born in March 1954 and am one of the 30,000 most affected by the proposed changes. My State-Pension will not now be accessible until I am 66. Previous advice from the Pension Service gave me a proposed age of 63 years + 11 months. It is totally unfair that the goalposts can be moved again. My mother died aged 66.....hopefully I will live long enough to draw my State Pension!

Caroline said:

Mine has gone up 6 months - not as bad as your example, but still bad enough. I have an elderly mum and the chance that I can look after her keeps getting moved further away. I was a single parent so struggled to build up my occupational pension due to several year's of part time work - caught every way, aren't we, for being women...

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