WOMEN Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) are to hold a meeting in Dumbarton next Monday to discuss the impact of pension changes Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie has helped to organise a joint meeting with local WASPI co-ordinators to discuss the impact that State Pension age changes have had on women in Dumbarton, the Vale of Leven and Helensburgh who were born in the 1950s.

The meeting will take place on Monday, April 16, starting at 4pm. It will take place in the Concord Centre in Dumbarton and will be open to all women who have been affected by the changes made by the Conservative government to the state pension age.

The changes made by UK Government in 2011 increased the state pension age for women from 60 to 66 with immediate effect.

This left women who were due to retire no time to make alternative retirement plans.

The local MSP will be joined by WASPI co-ordinators and other local MPs and MSPs on a cross-party basis.

Ms Baillie said: “The changes to the state pension age which were made by the Tory government had have a terrible impact on thousands of women in Dumbarton and across Scotland.

“I have been working with the cross party group on WASPI in the Scottish Parliament which has support of almost all of the parties in Holyrood to pursue justice for those women affected.

“I am glad that we could bring this meeting to women in my constituency to raise awareness of the campaign; hear their very real concerns and learn what impact these changes have had on them and their families.

“I would encourage women from across the area to attend the meeting if they are able. These changes are having a devastating impact and their voices need to be heard.”