'Unfair' extension to their retirement age

Debbie Abrahams, Oldham East and Saddleworth MP

AN MP in Oldham says it is 'blatantly unfair' that over tens of thousands of people in her constituency face an extension to their retirement age.

Shadow work and pensions secretary Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said 61,187 people could have their retirement age raised from 66 to 68, from 2037.

The government's proposals will see 36.9 million people having to work longer.

Analysis by the Labour Party shows tens of thousands of people in every constituency who are currently under 48 years old will be affected by the changes.

Labour has rejected this increase to the State Pension Age and instead is reviewing a flexible retirement age as part of the party's Commission on Pensions.

Mrs Abrahams has announced a UK-wide state pension tour where she will meet with pensioner groups and local residents across the UK on the changes to the retirement age.

She said: "It's blatantly unfair that so many people in Oldham East and Saddleworth will be affected by this decision when big corporations and the wealthiest people in the UK are benefitting from tax breaks.

"Thanks to the Tories increasing the state pension age, 38 million people across the UK will be forced to work longer, at the same time that evidence indicates life expectancy has stalled in some places and is reducing in others.

"According to the Director of Public Health England, most pensioners will now spend their retirement battling a 'toxic cocktail' of ill health, with men on average only expected to live in good health until 63, five years earlier than the brought forward state pension age of 68, while women expect to see signs at 64.

"It's astonishing that the Government chooses to ignore this vital evidence, and push ahead with its plans to make us all work longer.

"No more proof can now be needed that the Tories' austerity agenda is driven by ideology and not evidence.

"Labour will keep the state pension age at 66 and my tour will help us review, as part of our commitment to people powered politics, the pension system, with a view to guaranteeing a secure and healthy retirement for the many, not just the few."