Gay couples are set to get the same rights to company pensions as married couples.
Registering a civil partnership will give same sex couples new legal rights, according to the BBC website. This means pension funds will have to provide pensions to couples who are registered as civil partners.
Currently, partners in same-sex couples are not automatically entitled to a pension in the event of a partner’s death, unlike married couples. The Civil Partnership Bill will be amended to reflect the changes.
Work and pensions minister Alan Johnson said: “Often a pension will be the most valuable asset and individual has, so their ability to pass it on is crucial.”
Enhanced basic state pension and additional entitlements given to widows and widowers will, however, not yet apply to same sex couples.
