UNISON, the UK's largest union, will today(20/02/2012) join a group of unions in
an appeal to the High Court over which measure of inflation is used to calculate
annual pension increases.
In his June 2010 budget, George Osborne
announced, without consultation, that the government would use the consumer
price index (CPI) instead of the retail price index (RPI).
When the
change comes into effect in April 2012 the value of public sector pensions will
fall by around 15% because CPI is around 1.2% lower on average than
RPI.
This is the latest stage in the unions' legal challenge, launched in
October 2011. The unions case is that the switch is not allowed under social
security legislation and that it goes back on assurances given by successive
governments that the RPI inflation would be used when determining pension
increases.
Dave Prentis, UNISON general secretary, said:
"The
decision to switch to using the CPI instead is a cynical move to pay down the
deficit. This move could cost pensioners thousands. They deserve better. RPI is
a much fairer reflection of the costs that retired people face - because, unlike
CPI, it includes housing costs.
"Pensioners now, and in the future are
being unfairly targeted to pay down a deficit they did nothing to cause.
Meanwhile, it's still bonuses for the bankers. This government may try to claim
that we are all in this together - but pensioners will not be fooled."
Oxford's best performing trade union, supporting worker at oxford city council, fusion leisure, and working in partnership with NHS and University branches across oxford for the benefit of all members and a greater UNISON for all.
Monday 20 February 2012
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Pensions dispute – frequently asked questions
If you are unsure about what's happening to public sector pensions you should find the answer in UNISON's FAQ document.
click to view answers
click to view answers
Wednesday 8 February 2012
In need of help or advice about work problem
For help and advice at work please contact your local UNISON steward or
Health and Safety rep, list of names and numbers available on home page, we are here to help.
If you don't know who your local UNISON rep is, get in touch with UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845, and UNISONdirect will provide you with the relevant information and help you to make contact with your local rep.
If you don't know who your local UNISON rep is, get in touch with UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845, and UNISONdirect will provide you with the relevant information and help you to make contact with your local rep.
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