Contemporary Motion to Scottish Labour Party Conference 2005

Public Sector Pensions

"This conference recognises that pensions represent the most important condition of employment after pay itself. Pension is deferred pay that will enable workers to survive into old age and avoid poverty in retirement.

Conference notes the proposed changes to public sector pension schemes, including raising the normal retirement age to 65 and the increase in the minimum pension age to 55. This would have the effect of downgrading the future value of the scheme and decreasing the pension expectations of many public service workers. If implemented, this could undermine the trust of public service workers in the commitment to providing them with good occupational pensions, based on their financial contributions and lead to an increase in poverty and dependence on means-tested state benefits in retirement. This concern was highlighted during the STUC Pensions Day of Action held on 18 February 2005.

Conference therefore calls for the suspension of proposed changes to public sector pensions and urges all parties to enter into a constructive and meaningful dialogue to promote a positive pensions agenda."

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