Teachers’ Pensions

A Statement on Pensions from the Common Room President

As most people are currently aware, the major teaching unions are proposing a one-day strike on 30th June in response to the Coalition Government’s continuing plans to change radically a number of pension schemes, including the Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS). These changes mean that teachers will have to pay more towards their pensions, will be required to work much longer, and will receive significantly less upon retirement. Teachers’ pensions are not gold-plated – the average is £10,000 per annum – and the proposed changes will affect those in mid-career particularly badly, amounting to a 30% cut over the course of retirement for some.

Union-affiliated teachers at Repton, however, are very much aware that we are living within a current economic environment which is making life difficult for all citizens, including many parents. We are also aware that, despite devoting our lives to Repton during term time, our working conditions are favourable with regards to the provisions of salary, holidays and housing allowance. We are also very mindful of the duty of care that we have, as a boarding school, towards the pupils of Repton at all times. It is for these reasons, as well as the fact that our dispute is not with Repton School, that we have decided not to go on strike on 30th June.

We do, however, propose to show our support for all the teaching unions who are campaigning so vigorously against the proposed changes by wearing yellow, as well as our ATL badges, on 30th June in order to raise awareness of the significant changes which the Coalition Government is planning for the TPS. We hope, by doing this, that we can strike a balance between supporting the cause of teachers’ pensions whilst acknowledging our on-going duty to the boys and girls at Repton School.

G B Attwood