GMP equalisation has long been the ‘elephant in the room’. Whether guaranteed minimum pensions should be equal for men and women, when the State pension they replace is not, is an issue that has, for one reason or another, remained unresolved in the 20 years since the Barber decision. That, however, looks set to change. Following Angela Eagle’s announcement in January of last year, the DWP is expecting, probably this autumn, to publish new draft legislation on the issue of GMP equalisation.
Archive for the ‘Discrimination’ Category
Equalisation of guaranteed minimum pensions: a blessing or a curse?
Wednesday, 24 August 2011Executive ’sacked for being green’ – are lifestyle choices protected by law? The decision
Friday, 13 November 2009I posted a piece last month on the case brought by Tim Nicholson following his dismissal by Grainger plc. He is claiming unlawful discrimination on the grounds of his philosophical belief about climate change and the lifestyle needed to avoid environmental catastrophe. The Employment Appeal Tribunal has now ruled in his favour on the question of whether his belief is within the protection of the 2003 Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations. It is – so he can pursue his tribunal claim against the company.
Executive ’sacked for being green’
Tuesday, 13 October 2009Legislation protects employees from discrimination on the grounds of religion as well as a philosophical belief (or lack of it). Political beliefs are definitely not covered but what counts as a philosophical belief ? Ever since the law came in (2003) I have thought it inevitable that this would spark litigation sooner or later – and now it has. It’s the issue in an employment tribunal case which was widely reported in the national press last week. The outcome could have important implications for pension schemes.
