Thousands underpaid in pension error

Published on Monday 9 March 2009 21:13

THE pensions of tens of thousands of retired public sector workers have been underpaid for decades because of an administrative error, it was reported yesterday.

Former NHS, military, judicial and teaching staff are among the pensioners affected by the problem, which could result in a total shortfall of up to 100 million. It is thought about half of them have been underpaid for decades by about 200 a year.

A government spokesman was unable to immediately comment on the shortfalls, but said: "Normal practice is to put right any underpayments."

Reports yesterday said letters were sent out last week to those affected, saying their payments would be raised next month.

Steve Webb, work and pensions spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, said: "This is a clear injustice suffered by large numbers of workers through no fault of their own, which must be remedied immediately."