A group of pensioners, previously employed by the London
Borough of Barking and Dagenham are to have their pensions
rights reinstated, plus arrears with interest, following a high court
battle backed by their union UNISON.
In February 2000 auditors for the Council cut the pensions of 179
former employees, arguing that it was unlawful for long service
award payments*, to be counted when calculating pension
benefits.
UNISON took a test case on behalf of Vic Pountney to the
pensions ombudsman in April 2002 who did not find the payments
unlawful and instructed the council to properly consider the case
again. Meanwhile UNISON successfully challenged the council
on behalf of another ex-employee Maud Watts, in a high court
battle.
The Council’s solicitors have since confirmed in writing that, as a
result of the decision of the High Court relating to Maud Watts, the
Council will reinstate the pension benefits flowing from the Long
Service Award, plus arrears with interest, to all 178 pensioners
affected.