Sadly Sally's common law husband passed away last year after a lengthy illness.   They were together for 41 years but Sally is not eligible to claim Widows Pension.

It was a match made in heaven.   She was only 17, he a little older but that made no difference.  They fell in love at first sight.    He ran his own business with her help and together they each worked 60 hours+ every week.

They moved to Brighton together and Sally then worked in local Government for 30 years whilst still helping John with his business..  When  John fell ill 15 years ago she took unpaid leave in order to care for him when he needed her most.  Having not reached pensionable age she was forced to keep working at her day job and at first her employer was sympathetic when she asked for leave.  Gradually that employer lost patience and reduced her contracted hours.  With Sally's care John was able to stay at home with her rather than going into an NHS nursing home. They are independent minded people and pride kept Sally going to work on Johns "better" days - neither of them wanted to be a burden on the NHS.

Since John passed away Sally has been lonely and distraught, as you may expect.  She now works on a reduced salary and not being of pensionable age she finds it hard to manage.  Had they been married Sally would now receive a Widow's Pension from Government - not compensation for loosing a life long partner of course but it would make her life a little easier.

What a way for Government to treat her selfless devotion of 41 years.  She is not the only one in this position - there must be thousands of women and men out there in stable relationships but not legally married.   Currently none of those thousands will be eligible for the widows pension if the worst thing happens to them. 

Thats why we want change: for the protection of unmarried partners.  Thank you for taking the time to read this.

 Please sign and share our petition.