A petition has been launched calling for the state pension to be increased in line with the National Living Wage and ensure that pensioners are treated “equitably” for their contributions throughout their working lives.
The National Living Wage for those aged over 23 is £10.42 an hour which is equivalent to £364.70 a week and £18,694.40 over the course of a year for individuals working a 35-hour week.
This is more than the payment received by pensioners with the full new state pension giving out £203.85 a week and the basic state pension provides an income of just £156.20 a week.
The petition created by Joseph Coyle reads: “The majority of pensioners have worked and contributed to society for decades, but the state pension falls well below the income of someone working full-time at the National Living Wage. We want the Government to increase the state pension to equal 35 hours a week at the living wage for 23 and over.”
It adds: “Please respect those in society who have contributed, and treat them equitably for what they have contributed to our society.”
READ MORE: State pension petition calls for £18,600 a year payments
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The state pension is protected by the triple lock which guarantees payments will increase in line with the highest of inflation, average earnings or 2.5 percent. Despite rising by 10.1 percent in April many pensioners are struggling to cope with the cost of living.
Once the petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a response and if it surpasses 100,000 signatures it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
So what do YOU think? Should the state pension be increased in line with the National Living Wage? Vote in our poll and leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
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