Barclays Bank UK Retirement Fund (PO-19404)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome

I do not uphold Mrs T’s complaint and no further action is required by Barclays.

My reasons for reaching this decision are explained in more detail below.

Complaint summary

Mrs T’s complaint is that she has been refused ill health early retirement (IHER).

Mrs T is concerned that Barclays has not considered her circumstances in full and only assessed her likelihood of recovery by reference to the general population.

Mrs T also feels Barclays has not reflected upon all the medical evidence when coming to its conclusion. Barclays’ original decision was made on the basis that Mrs T had not exhausted all reasonable treatment, so it was not satisfied that Mrs T was incapable of carrying out any employment in the future.  Mrs T says her consultant neurosurgeon, Mr Cowie, and a pain management specialist, Dr al-Quaragooli, have both said pain management treatment would not benefit her.  Mrs T feels Barclays should have consulted Mr Cowie and/or Dr al-Quaragooli before making a judgment.