15.05.12
Prospect accepts pensions deal
The second largest civil service union has accepted the Government’s public sector pensions deal, with changes coming into effect from 2015.
Prospect voted 79% in favour of the deal on a 50% turnout. The union suggested it was the best deal that could be achieved from negotiations.
The Government has stated that reform is necessary due to the ageing population, and believes the scheme will eventually save significant amounts of money.
Dai Hudd, Prospect’s deputy general secretary, said: “Members understood that the Government’s offer was conditional on acceptance, and that if the terms were rejected there was a danger of Government imposing something much worse.
“However, members also recognised that Prospect had achieved significant improvements from the Government’s opening position.
“Members do not endorse having to pay higher pension contributions from this year, or the further rises in 2013 and 2014. These increases are an unjustified tax.”
Thousands of public sector workers took part in a 24-hour, UK-wide strike last Thursday against increases in retirement age, contributions and a scheme based on a career-average salary.
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