We analyse a significant reform to divorce law in GB, which required married couples to share pension wealth in the event of divorce. Prior to December 2000 individuals split all assets excluding pension wealth. We show that the reform had a significant impact on various components of wealth; and women in particular benefit from the reform, consistent with the notion that pension wealth holdings have historically been significantly lower for this group compared to men. We also analyse recoupling rates and consider how the reform affected particular groups, for example low and high income individuals.

Speaker

Dr Ricky Kanabar is Associate Professor of Social Policy at the University of Bath. His current research is in the areas of:

• Ageing and labour supply in the UK

• Income dynamics of older people in the UK

• Low income dynamics among ethnic minorities in the UK

Click here to see his profile on the University of Bath's website.