Pensions betrayal - 16 November 2004

Government plans to raise the public sector pension age to 65 are a betrayal of trust, claimed the FDA, which represents senior managers and professionals in public service. FDA members joined with other public sector workers in a TUC-organised lobby of MPs today.

Jonathan Baume, FDA general secretary, said: "Raising the pension age is a betrayal of trust. The Government is reneging on the promise of a pension at 60, which members rightly regard as part of their contract. Members have made many personal, family and career decisions based on that promise. In 2002 many members had to take a very difficult financial decision about their civil service pension following lengthy negotiations to introduce new schemes. At no stage did the Government even hint that within months they intended to announce raising the pension age from 60 to 65. This was underhand and dishonest.

"Our members are dedicated professionals with a strong ethos of public service. The Government has acknowledged that their pay is held down to balance the acknowledged value of the pension arrangements. Now the Government wants to change the rules without any meaningful dialogue and members feel very strongly that this is scant reward for the hard work and loyalty which they offer day by day in serving ministers."

Notes for Editors
1. The FDA is the trade union and professional body representing the UK's 12,000 senior civil and public servants. Our members include policy advisors, senior managers, tax inspectors, economists, statisticians, accountants, special advisers, government lawyers, crown prosecutors and NHS managers.

2. For further information contact: