I have been disabled for over 12 years. I work for a company that has an Income Protection Scheme in place where 50% of my annual salary will continue to be paid to me whilst I am ill and unable to work. This is paid up to my retirement age of 67. I am aware that I am fortunate to have this in place.
I was put on the Income Protection Scheme when I was 38 years old. I am now 50. My annual salary has never changed and therefore inflation has eaten away at the monies. The only way a salary can be increased is due to performance (this relates to bonuses too).
When I raised it with the company last it was stated:
"the guidelines say that 'benefit in the form of salary paid to individuals under the Scheme will be reviewed from time to time at the Company’s discretion'".
and
"Due to the economic climate at the time, and the Company's constant need to maintain the cost base, these discretionary increases are purely based on individual performance, with only the high performers being granted an increase."
Is this something that I could pursue? Am I being unfairly treated as a disabled person? I am referred to as an employee regarding all other matters (i.e. pension contributions, private health cover, save as you earn schemes etc).
What do you think?
