non-contributory invalidity pension; and the invalid care allowance, paid to the caregiver rather than the invalid, which had been made available to married women on the same basis as single women and men in 1986, following a decision of the European Court. 47. Equal treatment in occupational schemes was now a matter of law, with the additional requirement that schemes which "contracted out" of the State earnings-related additional pension must provide widowers' as well as widows' pensions. The State earnings-related additional pension, which was obligatory for employed persons who did not have "contracted out" occupational or personal pensions, made no distinction between women and men, and either spouse could inherit a deceased spouse's pension rights. 48. Turning to the matter of women in the civil service and public appointments, the civil service had adopted a formal programme of action to achieve equality of opportunity for women staff in 1984. Progress was monitored annually by the Personnel Management and Equal Opportunities Division of the Office of the Minister for the Civil Service. Two piiblished reports (Equal Opportunities for Women in the Civil Service: Progress Report 1984-1987; and Career Break and Child Care Provisions in the Civil Service, Progress Report 1989) showed the significant progress made in recent years towards achieving greater equality of opportunity for women staff. 49. The Government remained committed to extending the influence of women on advisory and policy-making bodies and, with women's organizations, had taken steps to encourage women to put their names forward for consideration as well as to ensure that more women were actually appointed. The latest figures showed that in April 1989 some 23 per cent of all public appointments had been held by women, as compared with 21.4 per cent in 1988 and 19.1 per cent in 1986. As a result of the 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be discussing the progress and achievements of the UK government in promoting gender equality in various aspects of society, including employment, pension schemes, and public appointments. The text highlights the changes made in laws and policies to ensure equal treatment and opportunities for women, particularly in the context of employment and social security.

**Category**
Employment, Health