United Learning is offering higher salaries to state school teachers if they give up their generous pensions, a move criticized by unions as harmful to long-term financial security.
UK Teachers Offered Higher Salaries to Leave Pension Scheme – Sparking Union Outrage
According to the report of The Telegraph, state school teachers in the UK are being offered higher salaries if they give up their generous pensions. United Learning, the biggest group of schools, has suggested this change because of rising pension costs. This is the first time state school teachers have been asked to leave the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) for a different pension plan that could be less secure but offers more immediate pay.
Unions are very unhappy with this idea, calling it a “short-sighted raid on pensions” that could hurt the TPS in the long run. They say it’s unfair to ask teachers to give up part of their pension for more money now. Unions have asked the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, to stop United Learning from making this change, saying it doesn’t solve the real problems of hiring and keeping teachers.
READ ALSO: $100 Cap: Texas Families To Save Big During August 9-11 Tax-Free Weekend
£10,000 Salary Boost for UK Teachers: United Learning’s Controversial Pension Scheme Switch (PHOTO: Schools Week)
Legal Experts Warn Teachers Must Be Informed About Pension Changes as Unions Push for Better Pay
United Learning says teachers will have a choice to stay in the TPS or switch to the new plan, which includes different employer contributions. However, legal experts warn that these changes need to be clearly explained to teachers to avoid legal problems. The Department for Education has been asked for their opinion, while unions continue to fight for proper pay increases instead of pension cuts.
READ ALSO: 64-Unit Affordable Housing Development In Avon, Connecticut: A Step Towards Addressing Housing Needs!
