New Airways Pension Scheme (PO-16545)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome

I do not uphold Mrs N’s complaint and no further action is required by the Trustee, or British Airways.

My reasons for reaching this decision are explained in more detail below.

Complaint summary

Mrs N says she asked to be considered for ill health pension while on long term sickness absence. However, she was wrongly informed that she had to first return to work, and re-engage in British Airways’ absence management process.

Mrs N maintains that she was discriminated against because she was unable to return to work, and therefore denied any opportunity to claim her pension on the terms that would have applied had she retired from active service.