Price of pensions in sickness and health

Regarding the case round-up section concerning an ill-health pension decision (Personnel Today, 18 January), it would be interesting to know what constitutes arbitrary grounds for refusal of such a pension. Many company pension schemes have clauses that such retirement pensions are subject to the company and the discretion of the trustees.

Where continued employment is not possible owing to long-term ill health, it does seem merciless to refuse to award an ill-health early retirement pension. However, the costs of providing such a pension can be prohibitive if the employee is reasonably young and has many years to go before normal retirement date. What do others think?

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