On this Easter Saturday I’m writing to update you on my petition to bring about justice for all former Salvation Army officers. Since I last wrote I have had further correspondence with Rob Wilson, MP, the Minister for Civil Society and his department. I have asked for his help with one matter in particular. In denying former officers any pension entitlement, the Salvation Army seems to be contravening the spirit of the 2007 statement of good practice which arose from the Department of Trade and Industry’s 2004 Clergy Working Group in which the Salvation Army participated. The Working Group looked at clergy working conditions, including pension arrangements as part of its review of employment status issues. The statement refers to the follow-up which the DTI would be making two years later in order to hold faith groups to account. Probably due to the reorganisation of government departments no such follow-up appears to have been made, and consequently I feel the government has failed this vulnerable group of people. Whilst most denominations will have put appropriate procedures in place, the Salvation Army has clearly chosen not to do so. Rob Wilson’s office have referred me to the Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS) at the Department for Work & Pensions. However, I have already received confirmation from TPAS them two years ago that “As the Salvation Army Officers’ Pension Fund is not a registered pension scheme, but is recognised by the Inland revenue as having charitable status it is not required to provide benefits to members in line with those available to individuals who are members of pension schemes which are registered with the Inland Revenue”. It is apparent therefore that no public body, including the Charity Commission, is able or willing to challenge the Salvation Army regarding this exploitation of its officers and former officers. The Salvation Army trustees will be well aware of this. They pay for the best legal advice available and know that unless there is a change in the law they are under no obligation to provide a pension to former officers, no matter how unethical this may be. Needless to say I am continuing to urge Rob Wilson to take further action to bring an end to this injustice. In other parts of the world the Salvation Army is legally required to provide a portable pension for its officers. We need the same protection here in the UK if we are to see an end to this hypocrisy. The Salvation Army is the government’s main chosen body to receive funding for managing the delivery of support services to adult victims of human trafficking in England & Wales. Based on the many comments I have received from active officers who feel trapped because of Salvation Army policy on pensions (If they resign...they say goodbye to a pension), it is apparent that the Salvation Army is operating its own system of modern day slavery. The government is turning a blind eye to this. Meanwhile the Salvation Army has the power to do the right thing. Please continue to do all you can to help it do so by sharing this petition as widely as possible.