In reply to mypyrex: I don't know much about this, but felt compelled to reply only on the basis that I have feel included as I'm an Old Fart.
However, I did hear Mrs JC moan that she had been paying an additional amount after taking time off for the kids to get a better pention,but her friend in the same position , did not, and 'apparently', they will now both get the same !
Not sure if she IS right, but it has put her in a right mood thinking of all the handbags; shoes; dresses etc that her mate has bought by not paying it, and she did not get, as she has paid that extra money for so many years, and now she will be no better off.