Women and carers will have the right to receive a full state pension under new government proposals.

Everyone in the UK will now need to pay National Insurance contributions (NIC) for 30 years - as opposed to 44 for men and 39 for women - in order to receive a full state pension on retirement.

In a move to make the pensions system more fair, the proposal will also allow those who have taken a break in their career to buy back up to six years' worth of the NIC they may have missed.

Diana Holland, general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union section of Unite, said: "For too long, too few women have been able to receive a full state pension. Caring responsibilities, part-time working and unequal and low pay have all resulted in further disadvantage on retirement.

"The state pension is about solidarity between generations. Today's announcement recognises the vital contribution to our society made by so many women in previous generations and today. This is an important step on the road to dignity in retirement for all."