Schools ‘pay for mistakes of others in pension row’

With the results of their strike ballot set to be announced yesterday the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) told ministers that there was still time for talks to end the pensions dispute.

Thousands of NAHT members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are being balloted for industrial action over the Government’s proposed changes to public sector pensions.

The result is due to be announced this afternoon, but the union said that the level of calls to its campaign hotline suggests that members are in favour of industrial action, and that turnout will be strong.

If members do back a walkout, it will be the first time in the NAHT’s 114-year history that they have voted to strike. The union is then likely to join several other teaching unions taking part in the TUC’s day of action on November 30.

Teaching unions say that the Government’s proposals will leave school staff paying more for their pensions, working longer, and receiving less when they retire.

Ministers insist that changes must be made to ensure that pensions schemes remain sustainable for the future.

NAHT general secretary Russell Hobby said: “It is late in the day, but not too late for both sides to make real headway in this dispute. School leaders are not naturally militant and only consider taking action when their legitimate concerns appear ignored.

“There are many gaps in the Government’s proposals, which leave around half our members still fully exposed to a large pay cut.

“Even those heads who may be less affected personally by changes to the pension scheme at this stage in their careers feel they have a duty to make a stand for the next generation of their profession.”

The teachers’ pension scheme is both “affordable and reasonable”, according to Mr Hobby.

He added: “Teachers have willingly done their bit to help the economy by accepting a pay freeze and, as taxpayers, taking the same hits as everyone else. This has poured hundred of millions into front-line services.

“Yet the additional attack on their pensions is essentially nothing more than an attempt to pay for the mistakes of others.

“In the same week that the city described the £4.2bn bonuses to be paid this year to finance industry workers as representing a drastic cut, the Government’s attempts to compare public sector and private sector rewards ring hollow.

“We ask the Government to stop trying to fuel resentment by false comparisons between public and private workers.”

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the University and College Union (UCU) have already held ballots, and took part in a walkout in June. The NASUWT teaching union are also balloting members for industrial action, with the result due to be announced next week.