Members of the PCS Group of MPs* were today critical of the government’s offer to trade unions on public sector pension reform, ahead of planned industrial action on 30th November.

Group Chair John McDonnell MP said:

“This offer fails to address the key concerns of public sector workers that the vast majority will still be working longer, paying more and receiving less in pension. People will not see this as an acceptable offer.”

PCS Group Vice-Chair, Caroline Lucas MP stated:

“The Government’s poor handling of public sector pensions is a cause of serious concern for my constituents and, more widely, for workers across the public sector. While today’s announcement was a welcome sign that Ministers may be starting to listen to workers’ fears about the impact of the planned changes, the devil is really in the detail – and it’s now crucial that Government works closely together with union leaders to reach a fair settlement for public sector pensions.”

Elfyn Llwyd MP, Vice-Chair of the PCS Group, commented:

“I am glad to see some movement from the UK Government on this hugely important issue, but this should not be their final offer. They have not moved on the planned increase in pension contributions or the arbitrary switch from RPI to CPI for uprating pensions, which will significantly devalue pensions in the public sector.”

 

“These pension schemes were re-assessed only a few years ago and are sustainable. People should not be misled that these are unaffordable or that public sector workers – teachers, nurses, tax collectors – are getting a better deal than anyone else.”

*PCS Group of MPs are cross party with over 80 members