An online e-petition demanding pension justice for troops has reached over 13,000 signatures and has therefore triggered a compulsory response from the Ministry of Defence government department.

On 12 June, over 3,000 service personnel were given notice of compulsory redundancy, of which a significant number were within 12 months of their immediate pension point, some within a matter of days. Campaign group Pension Justice for Troops has therefore launched the petition requesting the government acknowledge the issue and to attempt to make the government fully and fairly compensate those who have lost their pensions.

As a result of this announcement, many troops financial security could be affected as many will lose thousands of pounds over their lifetimes. Pension Justice for Troops is calling on the government to ensure justice and “provide the opportunity for all affected personnel to serve the extra year, or less, to reach their immediate pension point” as set out in their original contracts of employment.

The Ministry of Defence commented: “The government is aware that some service personnel made redundant or due to be made redundant will be close to their immediate pension or early departure payment (depending on which pension scheme they belong to). However, there was no deliberate selection policy or targeting of those close to the point at which they would receive an annual income on retirement.

“Those who narrowly miss out on receiving an immediate income will receive a significantly larger tax free compensation redundancy lump sum payment and their pension benefits will be preserved for later payment.”

The department added that it is “regrettable that although proximity to pension was not a factor in selection for redundancy, it is inevitable that some of those affected may leave without completing sufficient service to qualify for an immediate income.”

Share Story: