Home News Citizen's Pension a foundation for security in retirement Citizen's Pension a foundation for security in retirement Written by Mike Weir    Wednesday, 06 October 2004 Mike Weir MP CITIZENS PENSION "FOUNDATION FOR SECURITY IN RETIREMENT" SURVEY SHOWS THAT 4 IN 10 ARE WORRIED ABOUT FINANCES IN RETIREMENT Commenting on the findings of a poll by Nationwide Building Society, which disclosed that four in ten people are worried about their financial prospects in retirement, Scottish Shadow Work and Pensions Minister, Mike Weir MP, called for the introduction of a Citizens Pension for all. "The Citizens Pension would provide every pensioner with a guaranteed level of pension at retirement. It would end the obscene situation that one in five of our pensioners live in poverty and that an ever increasing number are required to undergo through the indignity of means testing. "This would provide a secure foundation on which Scots could plan for their future in retirement. It would ensure that those who are able to save even a little would obtain the benefit of these savings rather than having it destroyed by means testing. Mr Weir noted that the survey had disclosed that many women in particular were worried about their situation and added that a Citizens Pension would tackle the very serious issue of the discrimination against women in the current system: "The current pension system is based on work record which discriminates against women and carers who often have interrupted employment histories. A Citizens Pension would recognise and value their contribution to society." Last Updated ( Wednesday, 06 October 2004 )   < Prev   Next > [ Back ]