Lecturers call for rejection of pension contribution increase

Labour MSP Neil Findlay has tabled an annulling motion to the Teachers' Superannuation (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2013. UCU is calling for MSPs to back the motion and stop a 1.5% increase in pensions contributions from 1 April.

UCU Scotland official, Mary Senior, said: 'UCU believes that member contributions in the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation Scheme should not be increased to meet the UK government's spending deficit. These increases are being imposed on members due to the UK government's misguided austerity plan and its attacks on workers' rights and public sector pensions. UCU is disappointed that the Scottish government has not found additional resources from within its own budget to avoid increasing member contributions.

'We call on MSPs to back Neil Findlay's motion as any increases to pension contributions should come solely from financial factors arising from the scheme itself.'

UCU members in 'modern' universities (also known as post-92 universities) are those mainly affected by these changes.

The Regulations  are debated by the  Education and Culture Committee of the Scottish Parliament