Comprising of Motion 71 plus amendments
Congress condemns attempts by employers including the United Learning Trust (ULT) to encourage staff to leave the defined benefit Teachers’ Pension Scheme and other good-quality public sector pension schemes.
ULT argues that they will not make savings but will partially convert employer contributions to salary and pay the rest to contribution into a less stable and risk laden money purchase scheme.
The move is sold as providing choice. But alleviating financial hardship now and replacing that with future poverty is no choice at all.
Any attempt to undermine workers’ rights cannot go unchallenged.
Congress resolves to:
i. support the actions of the education unions in defence of their members’ futures
ii. instruct the General Council to provide all appropriate support to those affected during the ongoing campaign against removal from the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
iii. lobby the government and the Pensions Regulator to take action against any employer that seeks to induce or incentivise public sector workers to opt out of public service pension schemes.
iv. demand that the government address loopholes which allow employers to withdraw or exclude staff from the scheme and provide additional funding for universities and adult education providers to cover the increased costs of employer contributions, in line with schools and colleges.
Mover: National Association of Head Teachers
Seconder: NASUWT
Supporter: University and College Union