Over the years, the UK government has raised the State Pension age to help balance its budget and deal with longer life expectancy. For many women born in the 1950s, this change came as a shock. They were originally told they could retire at 60, but the pension age has now increased to 66 and may rise again in the future.
These women had made life plans based on the old pension age. Many left work early, became caregivers, or faced health problems, expecting to get their pension at 60. But because they weren’t given enough notice, they found themselves struggling financially without the income they had counted on.
Many of them joined the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign, asking the government for financial compensation. However, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has denied the proposed one-time payment of £2,950, suggesting instead that these women seek work through Jobcentre programs. This has caused frustration among campaigners, who feel their situation is being ignored.
What Kind of Help Is the DWP Offering?
In a recent session in Parliament, MP Stuart Anderson raised the issue of support for women affected by the pension age change. In response, DWP Minister Alison McGovern said that Jobcentres offer help for people of all ages, including those over 50.
The available services include:
- Help finding jobs, such as CV writing and interview practice
- Skills training to help with gaining new qualifications
- Midlife MOT, a program to check your health, finances, and job skills
- Support for people with health problems or caregiving duties
Even though these services are available, many WASPI women feel they are not enough. These women are not just looking for a job—they’re dealing with lost pension income and need real financial help to get by.
Why These Women Are Still Protesting
The WASPI campaign continues to raise awareness and demand justice. These women say they were never clearly told their pension age would go up. Because of this:
- They couldn’t prepare financially.
- Some left jobs early, thinking their pension would start at 60.
- Health issues and caregiving responsibilities make it hard for them to work again.
- Many job opportunities are not suitable or available for older women.
- No proper compensation has ever been given, even after years of complaints.
These women feel they’ve been treated unfairly after working hard and paying taxes their whole lives. They believe the government has let them down.
Criticism of the Government’s Actions
Many people are unhappy with how the government and DWP are handling the issue. Here are the main concerns:
Not Enough Targeted Help
WASPI women need specific support, not just general job programs. Their problem is a sudden loss of expected pension income, not just unemployment.
No Compensation Given
Despite many years of fighting, the government still refuses to give any payment to make up for the missed pension years. Campaigners say this is wrong and unfair.
Unrealistic Advice
Telling older women in their 60s to simply find work ignores their real problems. Health issues, age discrimination, and family duties make this advice very difficult to follow.
Suggestions for Better Support
To truly help these women, the government could make some changes:
- Provide financial support to cover the years without pensions.
- Create special programs for older women who cannot work due to health or caregiving.
- Offer flexible payments to help them until they reach the new pension age.
- Give better and earlier warnings for any future pension age changes.
These changes would help fix some of the damage done and give these women the respect and fairness they deserve after years of contributing to the country.