On the 1st April 2024, the employer contribution rate tor the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) increased from 23.6% to 28.6%. As a consequence, a sizeable number of independent sector school employers have sought to withdraw from the scheme.
Employers claim that the increase is unaffordable. For some this will be true but for many it is not true. They are making a choice.
Yet, it is not just a choice for an employer to make. TPS is a fundamental part of a teachers’ remuneration and a contractual right.
Employers are also claiming that everyone is leaving the scheme. This is simply not true. The vast majority of independent schools who were in the TPS remain, as our latest Freedom of Information Request in May 2024 demonstrates – see below for full details.
NEU members in many independent schools have successfully defeated their employer’s proposals to deprive them of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
You have shown that we can win.
Our strategy learnt from the TPS Campaign has stood us in good stead: act early; act as the NEU; use the leverage of strike action.
However, the scale of the threat means that we need to sharpen our tactics. Wherever possible, we need to be on the front foot.
You can play your part.
Start the conversation with NEU members in your school now. Before the employer takes any steps, consider passing a motion stating staff will vote on strike action if pay is cut in real terms, pension is threatened, or workload increased.
Raise general awareness amongst your colleagues. Be ready to use the action plan below.
It is not going to be easy. But, together, we can win.