Scottish Widows fails to update pension statements for married gay client

Despite multiple complaints

Victoria McKeever
clock • 2 min read

Scottish Widows failed to recognise same-sex marriages in letters to customers, telling one client it was unable to fix correspondence despite multiple complaints, according to a report.

Buzzfeed News said Scottish Widows told 28-year-old London-based software engineer Dougie Robertson there was "not an available fix to correct" its annual pension statement sent to customers. This was despite the fact Robertson had held a pension with the company for several years.   Robertson first complained a year ago, when he received a letter about projected pension value, which referred three times to Robertson's "wife" when explaining calculations. He then tweeted the provider, pointing out the sex of someone's partner was not relevant. A Scottish Widows representative sent him...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Retirement

What the decumulation shift means for advice firms, and how the best are responding

What the decumulation shift means for advice firms, and how the best are responding

'Technology is part of this picture in ways that are worth being honest about'

Andy Zanelli
clock 14 July 2026 • 4 min read
Millions make retirement trade-offs to fund children and grandchildren's university costs

Millions make retirement trade-offs to fund children and grandchildren's university costs

Includes many delaying retirement

Jen Frost
clock 03 June 2026 • 3 min read
Watch PA's Working Lunch with L&G: Navigating the new landscape of retirement solutions

Watch PA's Working Lunch with L&G: Navigating the new landscape of retirement solutions

Catch up on the discussion

Professional Adviser
clock 09 April 2026 • 1 min read