Note New Telephone
No: 028 90 5 01 805
e-mail: niwep@btconnect.com
Marie Cochrane
DOE
Local Government Division
Goodwood House
44-58 May Street
Belfast BT1 4NN
21 August 2006
Re:
Options for New Local Government Pensions Scheme in NI
Northern Ireland Women’s European Platform
is committed to responding to Government consultation although a significant burden on this organisation we feel we need to
raise one important issue to be included in any consideration of a new local government pensions scheme in Northern Ireland.
Gender still plays a significant role in remuneration
of pension schemes - men and women’s pensions are substantially different, with women receiving less than men. This is due to many reasons including:
- Women in poorly paid positions
- Women in part-time employment
- Women breaking employment record due to maternity/child rearing
Poor pensions sees and will see a dramatic
impact on women’s life styles in their later life.
We would urge that the options recognise gender
when considering the options for the Local Government Pensions Scheme in Northern
Ireland which will ensure women benefit from the same pension opportunities as their male
colleagues.
Yours sincerely,
Jeanette
Thornton
JEANETTE
THORNTON
Vice
Chair
