Part-time workers may claim pension benefits backdated to 1976, although their claims must be lodged within six months of leaving employment, following a ruling by the European Court of Justice. The judgment yesterday found that current British legislation permitting only two years of backdating was contrary to European Union law.

As part of the EU, workers in Ireland will also benefit from the decision, says Mercer's Ms Aisling Kennedy. However, the six-month time limit set by the court has significantly reduced the potential number of claims.