NASUWT: Hutton 'legitimising' raid on public service pensions

Thursday, 10 March 2011 12:00 AM

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers' union, commented on Lord Hutton's report into public sector pensions:

"Lord Hutton's review of public service pensions has never been about making the schemes sustainable or viable. They already are.

"Lord Hutton has allowed himself to legitimise the intention that the coalition government has had from the outset to raid public service pensions.

"These recommendations have set the wheels in motion for an additional, unjustified tax on public service workers.

"Workers won't be paying more into the pension schemes, they will be paying more into the Treasury's coffers.

"Teachers are deeply angered and frustrated. They feel betrayed by the unfairness and injustice of the whole process.

"This is a further assault on hardworking and committed workers who are already facing massive job losses, pay freezes and worsening working conditions.

"If the chancellor accepts these recommendations it will simply confirm the irrational contempt this coalition government has for public services and those who work in them."

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