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Pensions latest
ATL has accepted to the government's final offer for the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) as the best deal that can be achieved through negotiation.
ATL's acceptance comes after talks on the finer details of the new scheme and a members' poll where 91.6% of respondents supported the deal, which is significantly better than the government's original offer.
The union still has major concerns over the pension contribution rates for 2012 to 2014, especially the impact they will have on younger teachers who face student loan and tuition fee repayments.
These contribution increases were imposed upon public sector workers without negotiation, without ATL's backing and they were not included in the TPS talks.
Contribution rates for 2015 onwards will be negotiated by the government and the unions and ATL will push hard for the best result for our members.
ATL has secured agreement from the government that it will monitor opt-out rates in the scheme as a result of the contribution increases. ATL will demand the government take action if opt-out rates threaten the scheme's health.
The government has also agreed to monitor the impact of its changes on certain groups of teachers including young, disabled and part-time workers.
ATL has accepted the final offer to avoid the imposition of a worse deal and believes further strikes will not move the government.
The teachers' pension schemes in Northern Ireland is yet to be negotiated and no offer is currently on the table. While the Scottish Government has yet to table its proposals for the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation Scheme (STSS) it is seeking long-term reform and will publish details of its proposals shortly.
Negotiations on the Local Government Pensions Scheme (LGPS) in England and Wales continue between the Local Government Association and the recognised unions (Unison, Unite and GMB) as there is a longer timetable to secure a way forward. The LGPS in Northern Ireland is also under review, with no proposals as yet. ATL members in both schemes will be consulted on any changes.
Pension contribution rates 2012-13
From 1 April 2012 the contribution rate in the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) will be tiered, and your contribution rate will be based on your full-time equivalent (FTE) salary.
For details and to check that you are paying the right amount, see
