What are the wider implications within the Services of introducing pension and compensation benefits for unmarried partners?
The Services are trying to remove differences in treatment between married and unmarried personnel, except where these are justified by different needs. However, costs have to be a consideration. The aim is to keep abreast of developments in the law, and best employment practices. The policy is kept under review, but there are no present plans to extend to unmarried partners the entitlements of those who are married beyond pension benefits. The main difference between the treatment of married and unmarried partners is in the provision of Service Families Accommodation (SFA). However, if the Civil Partnership Bill is enacted, same-sex couples who obtain legal recognition of their relationship through a civil partnership will be eligible to receive the same benefits as married personnel (ie allowances/SFA).
