Landmark ruling means former cavalry officer’s husband will enjoy the same pension rights as a widow would.
The judges’ decision was based on an EU framework directive from 2000 guaranteeing gender equality under employment law. An employment appeal tribunal and the court of appeal had previously declared that the 2010 Equality Act permitted firms to restrict benefits generated by periods of service before 2005.
We are very experienced at dealing with all issues involving pensions and we have some excellent pension experts that we work with so please do contact us if we assist you or anyone you know with issues involving pensions on separation and divorce.
A gay former cavalry officer has won a legal battle to provide his husband with equal pension rights in a landmark discrimination case at the supreme court. The unanimous judgment, which could benefit thousands of couples, will ensure that should John Walker die first, his partner will have access to an income of about £45,000 a year for life. It may also impose unexpected liabilities on pension funds.
