The Government’s initial proposals were seeking to impose a 3.2% increase in contributions, a defined contribution scheme, a worse accrual rate, no protection and no right to remain in the LGPS if transferred to an external service provider. UNISON negotiators secured concessions on all of these issues following our industrial action ballot and the 30 November day of action (since when the status quo has been applied for LGPS members uniquely across the 4 public sector schemes):
• There is no contribution increase for 90% members including all those earning £43,000 or less
• Most part-time workers will pay less because contributions will be based on actual not full-time equivalent earnings
• The “new” LGPS from 2014 will be better for most members up to 25 – 30 years of membership than the current scheme. Since the average length of membership in the scheme is seven years, most members will benefit
• The new 50/50 option will allow low paid workers to join the scheme and then progress to the full scheme, when they are able to
• All members transferred to the private and voluntary sectors under TUPE will have the right to remain in the LGPS
It is important that UNISON delivers a massive YES vote to the proposals – materials are available on the union’s website:
Vote YES leaflet:
http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/21058.pdf
Vote YES poster:
http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/21059.pdf