Wigan Waspi women speak out about consequences of state pension decision on their health, lives and families

Campaigners from the borough, who are currently trying to battle back from a bruising loss in a High Court case against the Government, spoke of the effect getting their retirement money later has had.

Waspi, which stands for Women Against State Pension Inequality, is not against women receiving their state pension at the same age as men but says the government did not give them time to plan for their new circumstances and has put unfair transition arrangements in place.

And that translates into women across the borough seeing their retirement hopes, dreams and plans shattered, often after decades of working hard.

Others have spoken frankly about the toll their plight has taken on their health.

The situation is all the more difficult for women who are also caring either for loved ones or family members, making it more difficult for them to remain in work.

Annette Weston, who lives in Ashton, quit her job as a cleaner a few months ago, following 12 months of being off sick, as she is looking after her husband who has a rare form of early-onset dementia.

Annette, 65, said: “The thing that has saved us is not having a mortgage to pay. If it wasn’t for that and my husband’s state pension we would have had to sell the house.

“I haven’t had to go to foodbanks or anything like that but we are just managing. We are short of money, living in a house that’s falling apart and can’t do what we would have done if things had been a bit better

“I was working up until last year when I just couldn’t cope. I just cope from one day to another, seeing what each day brings.

“I didn’t expect to be in this situation. The last few years have been catastrophic.

“I believe in equality but I don’t think there’s anything equal at the moment. When I brought my children up women’s lives were very different, very few followed careers and it was about fitting in with the children.

“The way things are now is a big shock, especially when you are caring for somebody. Caring is a full-time job and the attendance allowance of £80 a week is not a wage. You also have to give up your job to care for somebody. You are being hit in different ways.

“It was a big knock for us when we didn’t win the case last week. It dashed our hopes. We didn’t expect to get everything but we thought there would be some hope in the verdict and there was absolutely nothing for us.”

Carol Togher, from Platt Bridge, is also battling a number of health issues while trying to fight for a fair pension settlement.

Carol worked in a managing role at a sheltered accommodation but found the job increasingly demanding.