Today the SSTA joined colleagues in other Trades Unions to condemn the launch of a consultation on proposed increases to contribution rates for Scottish teachers' pension scheme.

Acting General Secretary Alan McKenzie said “It is disappointing that the Scottish Government has failed to recognise the vulnerability of the lower paid by being complicit in the UK Government's blatant cash grab. We had hoped for better things. We can only hope that the continuing negotiations on breaking the link with state pension age are more fruitful. Constantly saying that Scottish Government hands are tied is frankly unhelpful. Perhaps we need greater explanation of to what extent Scottish Government hands are tied. Our understanding is that Scottish Government is actually free to negotiate within the cost envelope. This is not a case of hands being tied but an example of choice being exercised.”

For further information contact:-

Alan McKenzie

Acting General Secretary