Pensions campaign growing

Women have been flocking to tell their stories after reading about former nurse Margaret Watts who was told she would receive just 7p a week pension.

For many women, paying the married woman's stamp - reduced National Insurance contributions - has resulted in low pensions and financial hardship.

Like Margaret, they did not know they would not get a full pension.

And they were also unaware that they would have to wait until their husbands were 65 before they received a pension - which amounts to just 60 per cent of their spouses' entitlement.

For women older than their husbands, this means years without payment, despite a lifetime of work.

Gladys Davies, 61, of Trenchard Way, Chickerell, worked for nearly 27 years at Boots the chemist.

As a married part-time worker in the 1970s, she was told she had to go on to the married woman's stamp.

Fourteen years later she was allowed on to the company scheme.

But on retirement, she was shocked to find out that although she received a £20 a week company pension, she would only receive 19p a week from the state.

And as husband Peter had to retire at 62, this means living on savings for three years.

Gladys, married for more than 40 years, said: "It's very unfair. You're penalised in that you don't get a full pension because you're married."

Some women are struggling to get by on their pensions.

Nancy Wilson, 68, of Bridlebank Way, Weymouth, receives £45 per week now that her husband, Fred, has retired, and just 7p a week from her married woman's stamp.

Mrs Wilson, who has a heart condition, worked for nearly 40 years before retiring three years ago.

She said: "I went for the reduced stamp in the 1960s but nobody explained anything. It's a big struggle to live on £45 a week."

Campaign co-ordinator Margaret Watts said: "I'm very pleased with the response. It is something that needs to be brought into the open."

If you have a similar story, call Margaret on (01305) 839187 or the Echo on (01305) 830997.