UNISON publishes guide to Pension Scheme proposals

UNISON has published a guide to government proposals on a new Local Government Pension Scheme.

While talks continue on protecting the rights of workers in the scheme - around two million people across a whole range of public services - the government has published a document called Where Next?, setting out options for a new look scheme from April 2008.

The document is the beginning of informal consultation - which will run until 28th September - on options for the new scheme, which include:
* updating the current scheme, with additional benefit improvements;
* a new final salary scheme with an improved accrual rate;
* a new scheme with pension based on a career-average rather than final salary;
* a new, hybrid arrangement based on a career-average core with a final salary option.

To help members and branches find their way round the government document, and prepare their responses to the consultation, the union has now issued a briefing on the options. This can be found online at http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/DCLG_new_scheme_proposals.pdf

The judicial review of the government's decision to scrap the 85-year rule via regulations changing the LGPS due to come into force in October, is scheduled to be heard on 18th and 19th September.