Combined pensions statements – DWP not put off by strikes

The Department for Work and Pensions says today's public sector strike, if repeated in future would be unlikely to disrupt its ability to meet responsibilities to supply data required for combined pensions statements.

Such statements are a key part of the Bill, as they are intended to help employees get a handle on their overall pensions entitlements and better prepare for retirement.

A spokewoman says "contingency plans would be in place," to ensure the department could meet its responsibilities under the Bill.

The question is speculative, of course, as is the answer given the Pensions Bill is yet to become an Act.

However, with some 80,000 to 90,000 public sector employees on strike today the DWP has already been forced to issue a defensive statement.

"We much regret this action which is completely indefensible given the nature of our offer. We are doing everything we can to maintain a normal service."

The Public and Commercial Services Union, PCS, says its members in the DWP and Driving Standards Agency are on a two-day strike against poor pay and "an unacceptable performance appraisal system in the DWP."

Among those services worst hit are jobcentres and benefits offices nationwide.

The National Audit Office has in recent years produced several documents critical of the DWP's handling of issues, for example, the "Inherited SERPS" problem, and the department's inability to get necessary information to those most in need.

In 2002, the NAO estimated that up to £1.9bn in income-related pensions benefits were lying unclaimed, in large part because of poor communications about such benefits to those most entitled to them.