PCS: Withdraw pension plans that even Lansley opposes
Withdraw pension plans that even Lansley opposes – says PCS
PCS has called on the government to abandon proposed cuts to public sector pensions after a senior cabinet minister said the planned changes are "unrealistic".
A leaked letter from health secretary Andrew Lansley to the Treasury is a five-page demolition of the pension proposals.
The missive, revealed by the Daily Telegraph, says the plan will discriminate against women workers and cause people to drop out of pension schemes – leaving the social security budget to pick up the pieces.
Mr Lansley also said that unless the proposals are changed "it is difficult to see how a negotiated agreement could be reached with the trade unions".
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "The government should withdraw these discredited proposals immediately.
"Andrew Lansley has said what public sector workers have known all along – the proposed pension changes are unfair and unsustainable.. This endorses the key points made by unions in negotiations.
"Our own research among civil servants shows that, if contributions rise sharply, 23% of PCS members would consider leaving the pension scheme. That could kill the scheme and force people into poverty in retirement.
"Even senior Conservative members of the cabinet can see that there is an alternative.
"The government now needs to heed Mr Lansley's warnings and negotiate on the key issues if it is to avoid more widespread industrial action in the autumn."
ENDS
Notes
– For information and interview requests please ontact Miles Barter, who is standing in this week for PCS national press officer Richard Simcox, on 020 7801 2744.
– The Public and Commercial Services union represents civil and public servants in central government. It has more than 300,000 members in over 200 departments and agencies, and in parts of government transferred to the private sector. PCS is the UK's sixth largest union and is affiliated to the TUC. The general secretary is Mark Serwotka and the president is Janice Godrich – on Twitter @janicegodrich
– Follow PCS on Twitter @pcs_union
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