CAMPAIGNERS are set to target Westminster in protest at Tory plans to raise the retirement age to 68.
Unite the union has joined forces with the National Pensioners Convention and the Scottish Pensioners Forum to demand that the UK Government rules out any further increases to the pension age.
We previously told in March how Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was considering raising the pension age to 68 by the end of the 2030s.
The state pension age is already due to rise from 66 to 67 in 2028, while the increase to 68 was not due to happen until 2046.
However, an independent report recommended the rise from 67 to 68 should take place between 2041 and 2043, four years later than previously accepted by the Government but still earlier than set out in legislation.
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said a review would be conducted in the next two years, passing the buck to the next UK Government, as a General Election is due to take place next year.
And now, activists are set to deliver a petition to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) signed by 27,000 people demanding that the plans are scrapped.
Unite maintains that the State Pension age is already too high, as it stands, it’s due to rise to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046.
Campaigners will drive home the message to Parliament that 68 is already too late and the UK Government must rule out further increases to the State Pension ahead of the next election.
Caren Evans, Unite national officer for retired members, said: “With a general election just around the corner, it’s crucial we show politicians that we will not allow our state pension to be raided.
“The state pension age is already too high and the government can’t be trusted on this matter. Ministers must completely rule out raising the state pension age any further.
“Cynically kicking the decision into the long grass to win votes just isn’t good enough. Workers can see through the Conservative Government’s game and we won’t let them get away with it.”
Campaigners will stage a protest on Tuesday May 2 at 2pm near the Houses of Parliament on College Green.
