Calls for state pension age to be slashed to 65 under new manifesto pledge
The Conservative Party and Labour are attempting to woo older voters before the British public head to the polls on July 4.
Several workers in the UK are pushing for the state pension age to be reduced to 65 years as the election fever grips the country. At present, the state pension age is set to be raised to 67 in a few years.
However, Unite, which represents over a million workers across 19 different sectors, is asking for the retirement benefit's age threshold to be slashed instead, reports GB News.
According to one of the country's biggest unions, the state pension age must be reduced to 65 years old to ensure “a decent retirement for all”
The organisation has published a manifesto urging politicians to listen to the needs of its retired members.
The recommended changes include introducing compensation payouts for Waspi women, reintroducing defined benefit retirement plans, and lowering the state pension age.
The proposal to lower the state pension age is Unite's most radical position, especially as there are calls to raise the official retirement age further to save taxpayer money and reduce pension spending.
Currently, the state pension age is 66 years old and is projected to increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
Another hike to 68 is expected to take place during 2044-46 but experts are warning the age threshold would need to be raised to 71 by 2050 to maintain the "status quo".
The union is lobbying to secure commitments from the major political parties based on this manifesto before next month's General Election.
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The Conservative Party and Labour are attempting to woo older voters before the British public head to the polls on July 4.
Both Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer have pledged to maintain the triple lock on state pensions, which dictates the annual increase in payments.
The Tories have gone further by promising to implement the "triple lock plus," which raises the tax-free allowance on pensions.
However, neither party has committed to lowering the age at which individuals can begin claiming state pension payments.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham emphasised the difficulties retired union members face and called on politicians to address the concerns raised in the "retirement" manifesto.
She explained: “Workers throughout the UK live in fear and uncertainty about their old age because pensions are not enough to live on and our health and care services are crumbling.
“Unite’s ‘Decent Retirement for All’ manifesto sets out a vision to transform this.
"As the country looks for change in a new government, Unite will be asking politicians to commit to our manifesto to help workers secure the long, healthy and dignified retirements they deserve.”
