News

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) has declared that thousands of teachers in London are to strike on the 28th March over changes to pensions. They said the action was the "next step" in the pensions campaign following the public sector workers walk out last November.

The University and College Union said it would also join the action. The NUT said proposed pension reforms would mean teachers working longer, paying more and receiving less when they retire. The Department for Education said the action was "completely irresponsible".

Last November 18,342 schools were closed across the UK when public sector workers, including teachers, walked out over pensions reform.

Christine Blower, general secretary of the NUT, said: "The government has consistently refused to carry out the long overdue valuation of the scheme, and the Hutton Report showed that the costs of public sector pensions are falling. Teachers cannot be expected to just accept government proposals to cut pensions without a justifiable reason."

The union said about 50,000 of its members who work in London will be affected by the proposed changes to the pensions scheme.

A Department for Education (DfE) spokesperson said: "This is a completely irresponsible decision and won't get teachers any further forward. The deal on the table is as good as it gets and talks are not going to be reopened.”

The DfE claims the reforms are "essential" because the scheme cost taxpayers £5bn in 2006 and is expected to rise to £10 billion in 2016.