WIREDGOV

Commenting on the announcement from the Treasury yesterday (Thursday) concerning proposed increases in public sector pension contributions, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'Today's consultation documents reveal exactly what kind of increases could soon be hitting millions of public sector workers, when they are already in the middle of a pay freeze and facing a huge squeeze on their living standards.

'The proposed increases, along with other changes the government wants to make to public sector pensions, present the individual schemes talks with a hugely difficult agenda to address over the summer.

'Only if the government demonstrates real flexibility in the coming talks and shows that it is genuinely listening and prepared to change course, will it avoid more unions deciding to enter into dispute and planning industrial action later this year.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
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Elly Gibson T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: egibson@tuc.org.uk