State pension age change: Hope for 50s women as tens of thousands raised to fight scandal

Backto60 campaigners say the Government has treated 3.8 million women unfairly as they are being forced to wait up to six years longer than planned for their state pension. The retirement age for women rose to 65 to bring it into line with men and will go up to 66 by 2020, and 67 by 2028. But 50s women are seeking compensation as they claim the alteration has been poorly implemented, leaving them distressed and unable to prepare.

The page, which was launched at 11am on Friday, has seen a surge in support with tens of thousands of pounds pledged in less than 24 hours. At the time of writing, it had raised a total of £29,141 from 1,840 supporters – and now has 72 days left to raise its £72,000 target.

The description for the fund-raising appeal states: “Our world-class legal team, experts’ team and digiteams are fired-up to finish the job: with your ongoing support, we can do it. Our mission is almost complete: with your support, the win will be secured.”

Supporters of the campaign took to the comments section of the page to voice their encouragement.

Beverley Johnson said: “We must continue the fight! Do not give up, we have the right! We paid in, now pay out.”

Eirian Siddiqi wrote: “I’m a 50s lady and in dire straits financially – another 14 months until my 66th birthday. This isn’t much money I know, but it’s from the heart – I so appreciate the huge effort by all concerned – amazing and so determined!”

And Diane Deasy penned: “I saw shock, despair, sadness, anger outside the Royal Courts of ‘Justice’ on 3rd October… now a bit of light at the end of the tunnel, thank you to all involved.”

Michelle Wilson said: “We are going to win. We have been robbed of our pension and our time. This injustice has caused so much stress to us 50s ladies. We have done all that was asked of us while working, bringing up our children and taking care of elderly. We will not stop until we win what’s rightfully ours.”

The national retirement age for women has risen from 60 to 65, in line with men and is due to rise to 66 by 2020 and to 67 by 2028.

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