You may be aware of press comments about a 'deal agreed' on public sector pensions. The Government has produced a paper which it sees as a “formal offer”. The vast majority of UK unions are currently considering the Government proposals. The UK Working Party which includes the Scottish unions will meet again in the New Year and any changes or progress will be reported immediately to members.

Members will then be consulted before any decision is made on any amended offer. At every stage members of this Association will be informed of events and consulted on decisions. In the meantime I would caution against reading too much into media reports. Some areas of the media have problems understanding the difference between the public sector schemes and their operation in different parts of the UK.

With best wishes

Ann Ballinger

General Secretary