Management Information Sheet
Public Sector Pensions - Strike Ballots
You will be aware that a number of Unions whose members are employed in Schools are either balloting, or about to ballot, about a day of action on 30 November in respect of Government Proposals for changes to pensions schemes. In addition, some Unions are balloting on a wider range of issues, but including pensions.
Although there are differences in the proposals for the Teachers and Local Government Pension Schemes, and in the case of the Local Government Scheme, a consultation process is still open, there are key aspects in both sets of proposals:
Pension benefits already earned through previous years of service would be honoured in full
There would be protection for employees on lower incomes - for instance those in the Local Government Scheme earning under £15,000 a year would not have to contribute any more than at present to their pension
As earnings increase, higher earners would pay more towards their pensions than those earning less
Further detailed information:
Members of the Teachers Pension Scheme can find out more from the Teachers Pensions Website www.teacherspensions.co.uk/
The Local Government Employers (LGE), including the National Employers Organisation for School Teachers (NEOST) have submitted responses to the Government as part of the consultation process. Details of the Employer's responses, including proposals to further minimise the impact on individuals can be accessed on the LGE website at www.lge.gov.uk/lge/core/page.do?pageId=1
Even with these proposed changes, the teachers and Local Government Pension Schemes will remain as some of the best pension schemes available and will continue to provide a secure future income in retirement, benefits for those who have to retire early due to ill health, and death benefits for dependents. We are fortunate that our Norfolk Pension Fund (website accessible at www.norfolkpensionfund.org/Pages/Welcome.aspx) is particularly well-managed, has been recognised as an industry leader and won numerous awards.
As further information is received following the ballots, additional advice will be made available that reflects the pattern and likely impact of industrial action on schools.
Please either copy and distribute to staff or enable staff to receive this information electronically.
Although there are differences in the proposals for the Teachers and Local Government Pension Schemes, and in the case of the Local Government Scheme, a consultation process is still open, there are key aspects in both sets of proposals:
Further detailed information:
Members of the Teachers Pension Scheme can find out more from the Teachers Pensions Website www.teacherspensions.co.uk/
The Local Government Employers (LGE), including the National Employers Organisation for School Teachers (NEOST) have submitted responses to the Government as part of the consultation process. Details of the Employer's responses, including proposals to further minimise the impact on individuals can be accessed on the LGE website at www.lge.gov.uk/lge/core/page.do?pageId=1
Even with these proposed changes, the teachers and Local Government Pension Schemes will remain as some of the best pension schemes available and will continue to provide a secure future income in retirement, benefits for those who have to retire early due to ill health, and death benefits for dependents. We are fortunate that our Norfolk Pension Fund (website accessible at www.norfolkpensionfund.org/Pages/Welcome.aspx) is particularly well-managed, has been recognised as an industry leader and won numerous awards.
As further information is received following the ballots, additional advice will be made available that reflects the pattern and likely impact of industrial action on schools.
Please either copy and distribute to staff or enable staff to receive this information electronically.