Discrimination regarding private pension schemes and civil partnerships is a reality and needs "sorting out", according to an independent financial advisory firm.

Jane Mudge, director of Iris Financial Planners said in recent days that the Civil Partnership Act does not extend to cover private pension schemes.

As such, pension scheme trustees are able to refuse survivor benefits, especially in retirement, to people that enter into a civil partnership.

Ms Mudge explained that in marriage a husband or wife is entitled to their deceased spouse's pension, but that this is not the case with civil partnerships.

"So there's discrimination there and that really does need sorting out," she added.

Concluding, Ms Mudge stated that many private pension schemes do not have to act as they would with a married couple and as such choose not to.

According to monetary website GayFinance.com, many occupational pension schemes do not, as yet, recognise civil partners.