Gurkhas lose fight for pay parity

Four retired British Gurkhas have lost a bid for equal pay against the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on a technicality.

The four men, three of whom served in the Falklands War, had accused the MoD of race discrimination over an agreement between Britain and Nepal over serving Gurkhas that meant that they have received lower pay and pension than regular British soldiers.

However, an employment tribunal rules that the legal challenge had been launched too late and a hearing could not take place. One of the claims submitted was just three weeks to late to be considered, Life Style Extra reports.

Launched by Kishor Gurung, Netrabahadur Pun, Libahadur Pun, Udayakumar Gurung, the case covered service by each of the Gurkhas of between 15 and 18 years before they retired.

The Tri-Partite Agreement (TPA) between India, Nepal and the UK covers Gurkhas' service, but the four plaintiffs claimed that it was "discriminatory" and should be scrapped.

Under the tribunal ruling, Gurkhas retiring from the army could launch a legal challenge to the TPA within six months of being discharged.

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Date:30/05/2007 08:29:46