The St Helena Government has received some complaints about the Widows’ and Children’s Pensions Scheme. This scheme has been in place within the St Helena Government for many years and affects a number of male employees of the SHG.

The scheme is being reviewed by SHG and people’s concerns are being taken into account. The first step is to see whether SHG’s female employees would want to join the scheme, said Financial Secretary, Bob Dolan. Currently the scheme only applies to men with pensionable status, but it is felt that women on established terms and conditions should be given the option to pay into the scheme if they want as this would create greater equality amongst SHG employees.

There is no certainty that this will happen. Personnel Department will first have to find out the views of female SHG employees and after their views have been assessed, SHG will make a decision on what is the best way forward.

Barbara George, Chief Personnel Officer said that the review of Public Service Orders will not affect the Widows’ and Children’s Pensions Scheme. She explained that whilst the review will look at terms and conditions of service, the Widows’ and Children’s Pensions Scheme is not a Public Service Order, but law, so it falls outside the scope of the review.

The Widows’ and Children’s Pensions Scheme became compulsory on 31 July 1974, making provision for the granting of pensions to widows and children of deceased public officers. All pensionable officers who were employed before 31 July 1974 were given the option of whether they wanted to join or not although it became compulsory for those employed after this date to pay into the scheme.

Desmond Wade, Chief Finance Officer explained that this only applies to male employees whose jobs are pensionable and payment starts once they reach the age of 20 years and are confirmed in service. The amount contributed is two per cent of the officer’s basic salary.