Today is Great Pensions Robbery Day

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PCS Comment

30 April 2012

Millions of public sector workers will see the government's attacks on state and public sector pensions directly hit their pay today as increased pension contributions kick in.

Many people will see increased pension contributions deducted from their salary – the first phase in the proposed three-year series of increases – with further increases expected in April 2013 and April 2014.

The national action on 10 May, being taken by PCS with other public sector unions, is a crucial part of our ongoing programme of action to force the government into meaningful negotiation on the key issues in the dispute:

• Working years longer
• Paying much more
• Getting considerably less in retirement.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “Together we can send a powerful message to the government that we will continue to demand a fair settlement on pensions.”

Some people will see little difference this month in their pay because of the personal allowance increase. Someone who is below the 40% tax threshold which has now been lowered again this year at the same time as the personal tax allowance has gone up will not see the effect of the pension deduction in the same way as someone say who is above the 40% threshold. But as this is the first phase of a proposed three-year series of increases the majority of public sector workers are likely to be significantly and adversely affected in the coming years.

Reps have been asked to hold protests and activities to highlight the Great Pensions Robbery.

Write to your MP to ask for their support to reopen the negotiations on pensions
Use and share the PCS pensions calculator to see how much you and your colleagues will lose
Take our new 'Stop the great pensions robbery' survey

Public and Commercial Services Union