WASPI says the annual Unison Conference delegates unanimously voted for a motion in support.WASPI says the annual Unison Conference delegates unanimously voted for a motion in support.WASPI says the annual Unison Conference delegates unanimously voted for a motion in support.

WASPI women have been handed a major “unanimous” boost in their hunt for £2,950 compensation from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ). As the WASPI women fight for payouts from the DWP after the Labour Party refused compensation last year, WASPI says the annual Unison Conference delegates unanimously voted for a motion in support.

The 59th Item discussed was “Pay Compensation to the WASPI Women Now!”, with the Unison conference announcing: “Conference welcomes the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report dated 21 March 2024 entitled ‘Women’s State Pension Age’ which considered the impact of the arbitrary change in state pension age and its effect on women born after 6 April 1950.

“We note the level of compensation recommended by the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman-recommended Level 4 compensation (£1000 £2950) due to “the lasting impact on someone affected”.”

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It said: “While recognising that this does not meet the expectations of many WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) women it is nevertheless a major step forward.”

Discussing the Labour snub, it said: “This decision was a cruel blow to a generation of women, some of whom are now suffering severe financial distress. It came as a shock particularly given pre-election support from Labour for the WASPI campaign, including those in leadership positions.

“Conference calls on the National Executive Council to work with National Retired Members’ Committee and the National Labour Link Committee to lobby and campaign for immediate payment of the compensation that WASPI women expected.”

In March 2024, the Ombudsman found this to be maladministration and instructed Parliament to deliver compensation as quickly as possible. WASPI continues to work cross-party to see justice delivered for the 3.6 million women affected.

Steve Darling, Pensions Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats questioned Pensions Minister Torsten Bell and the Work and Pensions Select committee on June 4.

And another supporter, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, said: “It’s the right thing to do because we require trust in politics.

“And I think all of us at this moment in time, certainly within this chamber, are conscious of the breakdown in trust between ourselves in this parliament and with the public outside.”

He added: “We know where the public stands on this issue. We know that they believe the Waspi women should be given the compensation that they deserve. And with this bill, we will seek to provide it.”