The UK government’s recent ruling not to provide any compensation to the Waspi women has drawn accusations of sexism and age discrimination from all corners. The announcement came from Liz Kendall, the new Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. She announced that the government would not provide any monetary compensation to the estimated 3.8 million women born between 1950 and 1960 who have suffered harm due to increases in the state pension age. This latest move follows the recent intervention by the parliamentary and health service ombudsman. Our report found that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) failed to inform these women about the changes impacting them and didn’t explain them well.
The Waspi women, affected by the increase of the state pension age from 60 to 65, felt significant blows. In 2011, the government made this increase happen much faster, thus worsening their plight. That Organic Action Plan, introduced by John Major’s Conservative government in 1995, was meant to usher in a slow but steady transition. It originally surprised many women, forcing them into a precarious financial situation as they near or enter retirement.
The current state pension is £221.20 per week. Hundreds of thousands of women are living in poverty and misery while they await payout of their pensions. The ombudsman’s report recommended a flat rate compensation scheme. This scheme would provide ex-gratia payments of £1,000-£2,950 to more than three million impacted women.
Despite acknowledging the ombudsman’s findings of maladministration regarding the DWP’s communication, Kendall defended the government’s position. She reemphasized that “the decision to provide zero compensation—we all agree that’s the government’s decision and they should take responsibility for it.” She maintained that all women knew that the state pension age was going up. Thus, placing an economic hardship on the American taxpayer would be unjust.
Opposition leaders and the road safety campaigners were quick to condemn the government’s statement. Steve Darling, the Liberal Democrats’ work and pensions spokesperson, described it as a “day of shame” for Labour, highlighting that Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour party had included full compensation for Waspi women in its 2017 and 2019 election manifestos. Corbyn condemned the government’s move, describing it as “disgraceful.” He continued to say that it misses the mark as it overlooks stand-alone recommendations to address the systemic bias that has victimized these women.
He was soon joined by Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition Labour Party. He didn’t dispute the fear of doing nothing, but boldly countered that the “better response is to pile on even more burden” on taxpayers. He added, “I fully appreciate, as indeed you do, the concern of the Waspi women. I have to weigh whether this is truly the right time for me to add an extra burden on taxpayers. That’s what this harmful decision would entail.
Surprisingly, the response from unions has been just as harsh. From Unite to other Labour-supporting organisations, they’re taking action and raising awareness. They are particularly concerned about the compensation problem and about the recent reduction of winter fuel allowances to millions of pensioners. Union leader Sharon Graham, left, forcefully asserted that ministers are getting it wrong. She argues that they must reverse course immediately because voters will not accept their betrayal.
Or as Ros Altmann, former Pensions Minister, put it, the compensation is “paltry.” As a member of the Waspi community, her perspective is incredibly personal. As she unabashedly stated, “I’m a Waspi woman. Don’t make taxpayers pay for me individually because I knew what was going on.” I think there’s a powerful moral case for the women who have been hurt the most. They have faced severe challenges, and they should be allowed to seek support for their specific needs individually.
Angela Madden, of the Waspi campaign, condemned the government’s move as “bizarre and completely outrageous.” She raised concerns about the purpose of an ombudsman if they’re free to just blow off their recommendations.
Protests and widespread calls for action are growing from those most affected and from advocacy groups. This difference in the treatment of the issue remains a key battleground in UK politics. By not repaying these women, the government undermines the public trust. Voters who believe they have been pushed out or to the margins by recent policy movements will take their votes back.