Unison reacts to scheme closure claims

Following an article in the Times newspaper on the 7 September regarding Unison's Pension Scheme, General Secretary, Dave Prentis and Trade Union Side Chair, John Loudoun, have issued the following statements:

Dave Prentis' statement said -

"UNISON is committed to maintaining its final salary scheme.  In common with investments across the country its pension scheme has taken a financial hit as a result of the current crisis, caused by the greed and irresponsibility of some in the financial and banking sector.

There is a deficit in the UNISON pension scheme which we are legally obliged to fill and are therefore in discussion with staff Unions on a recovery plan.  The details of the options being considered are confidential at this stage.  We will be putting forward proposals to the Pension Scheme Trustees next week and these will be put to staff in a ballot in the autumn. Our joint aim is to maintain a viable final salary pension scheme for all our employees."

In addition, John Loudoun, Trade Union Side Chair said -

"The Trade Unions, which represent Unison staff, are concerned at the pension scheme deficit and have been working with Unison's management on measures to address it. We recognise that Unison's pension deficit has increased in recent years, as have most, if not all, employers' final salary schemes.

We have had very thorough and productive dialogue with Unison over recent months on creating measures to meet the deficit, whilst continuing to maintain a robust final salary scheme for Unison staff into the future. We can be proud that Unison is committed to maintaining its final salary scheme for all its staff. The Trade Unions are pleased, and reassured, that this has been championed by Unison's General Secretary".